Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has terminated the contract of a temporary sports teacher affiliated with one of its colleges following severe allegations of misconduct and harassment leveled by students in two separate incidents. The university has also initiated a formal investigation into the matter.
Complaints Detail Serious Misconduct
The case first emerged when a female student submitted a formal complaint to the university's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) against Akash Gohil, a sports instructor on an 11-month contract at a college in Anand. According to sources, the complaint alleged that the teacher made indecent demands and molested her under the guise of offering help.
The student reportedly first contacted Gohil during the university's youth festival in October. The teacher maintained communication with her afterward and even met her outside the college campus, where the alleged molestation took place.
Second Incident Involves Cross-Dressing Allegation
In a separate but equally serious complaint, a trustee of the college filed another case with the ICC against the same instructor, Akash Gohil. This complaint accused him of forcing male students from the college to wear girls' clothing and dance during an event held in Somnath earlier this year.
Sources familiar with the development stated that a video related to this cross-dressing incident was also submitted to the university authorities as evidence of the misconduct.
Investigation and Immediate Action
University officials confirmed that the ICC conducted a detailed inquiry into both complaints, recording statements from all involved parties. Based on the investigation report, which recommended stringent action, the university decided to dismiss the teacher with immediate effect.
GTU Registrar K N Kher verified that the harassment complaint was received and that action was taken against the named teacher pending the completion of the full probe.
Political and Student Reactions
The issue has also gained political attention. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) submitted a memorandum highlighting the case and alleging that similar incidents have occurred at the university in the past. They cited one instance where an officiating registrar was terminated following allegations of making indecent demands toward a woman scholar.
Various student bodies have rallied, demanding strict and thorough action against anyone found responsible for such acts, emphasizing the need for a safe campus environment.
