Students of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi clashed with the police during a protest in front of the Vasant Kunj Police Station on Monday. They were demanding action against a professor accused of sexually harassing eight students.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-West) Milind Dumbere said the investigators have summoned Professor Atul Kumar Johri, who resigned from an administrative role on March 16 after the complaints were filed against him, for questioning on Tuesday.
The police’s move came as the Delhi Commission for Women issued it a notice asking why Johri had not been arrested yet. The women’s commission also asked the police to submit a status report by March 23.
Earlier in the day, 54 professors of Jawaharlal Nehru University submitted a petition to Dumbere, asking the police to register separate First Information Reports in all the eight complaints of sexual harassment against Johri. They also accused the police of not following a proper investigation procedure.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Commission for Women also issued a notice to the university administration, asking it what steps had been taken to protect the complainants, and if the Internal Complainants Committee had looked into their allegations. The panel also asked the university to provide it with details of any previous complaint of sexual harassment against Johri.
“The present complaints appear to display a pattern of sexual assault at workplace,” the panel said. “Hence we recommend swift action in the matter and ensuring that the complainants are able to pursue their studies as well as their complaints in a free and fearless environment.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!