'Humiliated' researcher tries to end life

While the world is gearing up to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, the 94-year-old University of Mysore allegedly ignored a sexual harassment complaint by one of its students which prompted her to attempt suicide.

It is said the head of the university's Department of Zoology, Prof Shivabasavaiah, made “overtures” to the research scholar at his department. Her complaint to the management against the professor was said to be treated “lightly.”

The woman student, who was under the professor's guidance for a year, attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills on Saturday night. In her suicide note, she said the depressing thoughts arising out of the “harassment” was the reason for her decision.

According to her husband, the humiliation she suffered when summoned before University Vice-Chancellor V G Talawar where it was suggested that her sense of dressing “may have prompted” the professor's advances, also led her to attempt suicide.

The woman, who is married to a scientist, has a two-year-old child. Her husband, who runs a private biotechnology company in Bangalore, had written to the chancellor and governor of Karnataka and the National Commission for Women.

The NCW has taken up the complaint. It has started investigations. Simultaneously, the victim, who was allegedly unaware of the 11-member anti-harassment committee for women functioning at the varsity, complained to the vice- chancellor on March 1. Later, she was summoned to the VC's chamber on Saturday around 3 pm.

“The VC’s approach was biased. He told my wife she should give up research or compromise. Further, he said she was among those who were out to defame the professor who was a dignified man. This had hurt her immensely and she attempted suicide,” said her husband who was also present at that time.

That the vice-chancellor investigated the complaint in the presence of Prof Shivabasavaiah, instead of referring it to the redressal committee that takes up sexual harassment cases, raises questions.

When contacted, Cell chairperson Yashodhara said she came to know about the case after television channels beamed the news. “Nobody has come to us seeking any solution to this issue,” she said.

Talawar said an explanation has been sought from Prof Shivabasavaiah and his reply will be handed over to Women's Redressal Cell at the university.