‘Girls forced to complaints’

New Delhi, March 20

Activists from woman groups joined by the students' body of the JNU today claimed that “pressure was being exerted on the girls to withdraw the complaint” against the sexual assault-accused Prof Atul Johri and demanded that protection must be given to the students who have complained, and other students and teachers who may be questioned in this case.

The JNU administration must immediately suspend and bar Prof Johri from supervising any students till the investigation is completed, they demanded.

Before Prof Johri's arrest, woman organisations today held a demonstration outside the Vasant Kunj (North) Police Station to put pressure over the police for arresting him.

Protestors also accused the police of "going slow" in the investigation against Johri, giving rise to suspicion that the accused is being protected.

“Witnesses in the case are protected and the university should be notified that no interference will be tolerated in the future,” said representatives from the woman organisations.

A delegation led by CPI (M) leader PK Sreemathy met ACP KP Kukretti and Addl ACP Monika Bhardwaj and the SHO. The police officers assured the delegation that their inquiry in this matter is complete and that they would take the necessary steps soon.

“The university administration, too, has shown him undue favour and has not yet suspended him. Prof Johri still occupies some important administrative positions (like wardenship of Chandrabhaga hostel) within the university,” said activists while fearing that he may use his administrative clout to influence the probe into these charges.

The JNUSU and faculty members have condemned the incident. – TNS