A contract assistant professor at Dr BR Ambedkar University in Srikakulam has been accused of making inappropriate remarks to a first-year engineering student. An audio clip of a phone call, which later went viral on social media, captured the faculty member inviting the student to his home and suggesting that exam performance was unnecessary if she visited him.
Details of the Conversation
During the conversation, the professor made personal and suggestive remarks such as "I want you" and "I want to travel with you." He further told her that, after coming to his home, it would be her choice how to continue the relationship. When the student questioned why she was being singled out, he claimed it was affection rather than harassment.
He also asked the student not to address him formally, offering to pick her up from the Srikakulam bus station and take her to his home. When she enquired about the purpose of the invitation, he said he would explain in person. In the recording, he can be heard saying: "You have to be here for eight semesters. Tomorrow is a holiday, right? Come home…it's up to you if you come…let's travel together. I want you. Let's share how things should be during our journey, whether personal or professional." He also urged her to call him "andi" instead of "sir," claiming fellow students might become suspicious.
University Response and Settlement
Despite attempts to contact university authorities, there was no official response. However, sources confirmed that the student filed a complaint and submitted the audio as evidence. It was learned that some individuals facilitated a compromise between the two parties. A meeting was convened with both the student and the faculty member, during which a settlement was reportedly reached. The phone call took place a few weeks ago, while the settlement occurred about a week back. Amid recently declared holidays, the student returned home.
Background of the Accused
The assistant professor, who has been teaching communicative English to first-year engineering students for nearly a decade, now faces scrutiny following the complaint and viral audio. The incident has raised questions about the safety of students on campus and the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms.
