Mandi, Himachal Pradesh: In a significant development, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has terminated a professor accused of sexually assaulting two female PhD students. Officials confirmed that the professor was “compulsorily retired” after an inquiry by the institute’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) found him guilty of the charges.
The allegations, which surfaced in July, involved two PhD scholars who accused the professor of inappropriate behavior. Following the complaints, the institute constituted an ICC to thoroughly investigate the matter. The ICC’s findings substantiated the claims and recommended stringent action. Based on the report, the institute’s Board of Governors (BOG)—the highest decision-making authority at IIT Mandi—took the decisive step of dismissing the professor.
Registrar KS Pandey stated, “The panel submitted its findings to the Board of Governors, which confirmed the allegations were true. As a result, the accused professor has been dismissed from his position.”
However, the professor in question has reportedly challenged the decision, denying all allegations and seeking a review of the verdict. Despite his appeal, IIT Mandi has stood by the decision, emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the campus community.
Another Case of Harassment Under Investigation
In a separate incident, another professor from the institute has also been accused of sexual harassment. The matter has been referred to the ICC, which is currently conducting its investigation. A final decision will be made by the BOG once the committee submits its report.
This series of incidents has raised concerns over campus safety and the need for stricter oversight to prevent such misconduct. The chairman of the BOG, retired Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, reiterated the institute’s zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and stressed that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
As IIT Mandi navigates these troubling issues, it remains committed to upholding a safe academic environment for all its students and staff, while ensuring justice and accountability in cases of misconduct.
