M'lore university was quick to act

Acting on a complaint by two research scholars, the varsity Syndicate suspended Professor Thippeswamy of the Department of Biosciences and ordered an inquiry against him.

Varsity vice-chancellor Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy told Deccan Herald that the inquiry committee has completed the probe and the report would be submitted by the end of this month.

The committee included chairperson of Prevention of Sexual Harassment Cell, senior most faculty of the varsity and a legal advisor. “If found guilty, we will definitely initiate action against the professor seeking legal opinion,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said suspension of the accused faculty was inevitable in sexual harassment cases.

The students find it difficult to depose before the committee without the person concerned being suspended.

Two junior research fellows (JRFs) at the varsity had quit their research projects, accusing Prof Thippeswamy of sexual harassment.

The research scholars — one from Delhi and the other from Mangalore — had submitted complaints to the Governor and Chancellor H R Bhardwaj and Vice Chancellor Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy.