Ganderbal, October 3: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) has attached Chemistry Department Head Dr Chinnappan Bhaskar to the office of the Dean of Academic Affairs following a protest by female students at the university’s Nunar campus over allegations of inappropriate remarks and threats concerning their academic grades.
The university has constituted an internal inquiry committee to examine the allegations. No formal police complaint or FIR has been registered in the matter so far.
The protest followed allegations by students that the department head made objectionable comments about a student’s physical appearance, asked a student to be his date and threatened students with consequences for their academic performance.
Ganderbal Superintendent of Police Sudhanshu Dhama said police personnel remained deployed at the campus during the day and night to maintain law and order, but no formal complaint had been received.
“There was an impromptu protest, and we assured students of action as soon as we receive a formal complaint,” Dhama said.
CUK Students’ Union spokesperson Yasir Wani alleged that Bhaskar had repeatedly harassed students and made inappropriate remarks.
“He told students, ‘I see you as my girlfriends and wives.’ When a department head uses such words, it affects the academic environment. He also threatened to ruin their marks and degrees. We demand his termination,” Wani said.
The allegations are now being examined by the university’s internal inquiry committee. The university’s decision to attach the department head to the Dean of Academic Affairs office will remain in effect while the inquiry proceeds.
Police said further action would be taken if a formal complaint is submitted.
