Sector 10 college teacher sacked for ‘sexually harassing’ students

The governing body of DAV College, Sector 10, today dismissed an assistant professor (name withheld) on the charge of sexually harassing some female students of the institution.

The decision was based on an 11-page report of the internal complaints committee, which mentioned that the accused was found guilty of gross and material misconduct by indulging in sexual harassment of girl students, including a minor.

In September last year, the assistant professor was accused of allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to some female students. The college authorities had received anonymous complaints against the teacher via email, after which he was asked to proceed on leave.

Sources said the college authorities had received similar complaints against the accused teacher in December 2023, but no action was taken.

In its report, the committee observed, “The accused crossed the line by passing remarks commenting on physical traits, dressing style, personal choices related to the students. Further, he interfered with their personal life and tried to control their interaction with the opposite gender, and offered preferential treatment to students, if they agreed to meet him alone and humiliated and intimidated those who refused to toe the line.”

A sole hearing committee, headed by Justice Pritam Paul (retd), had submitted the hearing report to the college management a few days ago.