JOIN USHealth Minister Ramadas, who is also Mysore district in-charge, said in the Legislative Council on Monday that the vice-chancellor of the varsity has been arrayed as the second accused. The statement of the victim, who had not regained consciousness was yet to be recorded.
The members, cutting across party lines, vehemently condemned the conduct of Professor. They demanded that the government should sack him and ensure that he did not get employment elsewhere.
‘Shameful’
M C Nanaiah of JD(S) who raised the issue termed the incident “shameful” and said such instances were not uncommon in universities. He said professors who indulge in such heinous conduct seek refuge in caste tag to escape punishment and they should be shown the doors. He sought to know why the vice-chancellor asked the researcher to change her guide instead of acting on her complaint. “It is not that just women researchers are being exploited. Some professors have enslaved male students also,” Nanaiah said. Bharati Shetty (BJP) suggested corporal punishment to such professors so that they can’t lead normal life.
Joining the issue, Deputy Chairperson Vimala Gowda said it was unfortunate that the House had to debate such issue on the eve of International Women’s Day. She demanded action against the VC who failed to take action against the professor. “A few relatives of the victim met me in the morning. I don’t want to narrate the atrocious behaviour of the professor. Such people should not be allowed to take shelter under caste affiliation to escape punishment.” In his reply, Higher Education Minister V S Acharya said stringent action would be initiated against the guilty. I said he would be able to give a detail reply on Tuesday.
CM orders inquiry
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has ordered a probe by the Chief Secretary into the harassment allegation. He told mediapersons in Bangalore on Monday that he instructed to filed a detailed report. The State government would take necessary measures to ensure that such instances do not repeat in future, he said. Higher Education minister V S Acharya said he had sought a report from the vice chancellor of the varsity.