Police start probe into death of HAU assistant scientist
In a new development regarding the death of Dr Divya Phogat, an assistant scientist at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), the Hisar police have begun investigating allegations of mental harassment by certain university authorities. Dr Phogat passed away on October 27 in a hospital.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Kumar Mohan confirmed to The Tribune that, following a complaint by Divya's brother Vishal Phogat and his statement, the investigation is now underway. "We will summon the university authorities concerned to join the investigation and will take necessary action based on findings," said the ASP.
Divya’s brother has alleged that persistent mental harassment and psychological trauma, reportedly inflicted by influential individuals, led to her untimely death. He also pointed to marital discord with her husband, which began shortly after their marriage in 2019. A case concerning divorce and dowry is currently pending in a Rohtak court.
He further mentioned that Divya had been transferred to Kurukshetra but was later reverted to HAU in Hisar. He claimed she was denied opportunities to participate in international events in 2022 and 2023.
Significantly, on October 16, Dr Divya herself had lodged a formal complaint with university authorities, alleging mental harassment by an official.
The ASP said the police will also look into whether the university authorities conducted any internal inquiry into the harassment complaint submitted by Dr Divya. Additionally, they are investigating a separate theft complaint filed by Divya's husband against her family members.
The Registrar of HAU asserted that Dr Divya had been suffering from a prolonged illness and claimed that certain individuals were attempting to disrupt the university’s environment.
Meanwhile, political figures, including Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, have demanded a thorough probe into the matter to ascertain the truth behind Dr Divya’s death.
