The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Lucknow University submitted its report during an emergency Executive Council (EC) meeting on Monday, highlighting serious allegations against an assistant professor concerning a reported paper leak and harassment of a BSc student.
Multiple Victims Come Forward
According to the report, several female students from the department came forward during the inquiry and recorded their statements on camera, alleging harassment by the accused. A senior LU professor who was part of the emergency EC stated, “The complainant was not the only victim. Testimonies indicated a pattern where the accused allegedly used academic inducements to exploit students.”
Details of the Allegations
The complainant alleged that the assistant professor called her late at night, often in an inebriated state, asking her to come to his cabin under the pretext of helping with syllabus and assignments. He also urged her not to ‘ditch’ him. She further alleged that he claimed to have “fixed” her viva and pressured her not to appear for it, insisting instead that she meet him in his cabin.
During the ICC proceedings, the accused admitted that the voice in viral audio clips was his but defended himself by calling it a slip of the tongue. An ICC member noted that the committee found his explanation unsatisfactory, terming his conduct “entirely inappropriate, undesirable, unethical and of a highly serious nature,” and recommending the strictest disciplinary action.
University Forms Disciplinary Committee
Taking cognisance of the report, the university administration constituted a disciplinary committee to further examine the matter and verify all statements and evidence. The committee is expected to submit its interim report on Tuesday.
Vice-Chancellor Prof JP Saini stated: “Lucknow University will not compromise at any level when it comes to the safety, dignity and fear-free academic environment of its students, especially girls. This incident is a serious blow to our institution’s cultural and ethical values. Such conduct by a teacher is unacceptable in any civilised society.” He added that based on the ICC report, a high-level disciplinary committee has been formed with immediate effect. “The administration is ensuring action with full transparency and in accordance with established rules. The law will take its course and the guilty will face exemplary punishment that will serve as a precedent for the future,” the VC said.
