DHARAMSALA: In a pressing call for justice, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) forwarded a memorandum to the President of India through Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla during his visit to Dharamshala on Friday, addressing a grave issue of sexual harassment within the Central University. The memorandum highlighted the need for immediate and impartial investigation into the allegations against a faculty member accused by a research student of sexual misconduct.
The ABVP's memorandum not only sought the suspension of the implicated teacher pending investigation but also advocated for the formation of a high-level committee within the university dedicated to examining cases of sexual harassment and ensuring unbiased inquiry. Additionally, the student body called for the severest measures against perpetrators of sexual harassment across universities in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting a zero-tolerance stance towards such incidents.
Vidyarthi Parishad unit president, Hrithik, emphasized the organization's belief in the necessity of an impartial probe and stringent action against those found guilty of sexual harassment, underscoring the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful academic environment.
The incident that sparked this outcry involves a research student from the Shahpur campus of the Central University, who lodged a formal complaint alleging physical harassment by a professor. Following the complaint, Shahpur police initiated legal action against the accused professor from the Chemistry Department. With the professor arrested on charges of rape, the investigative process is underway, awaiting further medical reports. This heinous act reportedly took place on the day of Holi, casting a shadow over the festive occasion and triggering a broader debate on campus safety and the urgency of addressing sexual harassment in educational institutions.