Stephen's molestation case: HRD ministry seeks report from DU

The HRD ministry has sent a notice to Delhi University seeking a report in the molestation case of a research scholar allegedly by a St Stephen's College professor.

"HRD ministry has sent a directive to Delhi University seeking a report in connection with the sexual harassment case. The communication was forwarded by DU Registrar to the college and I have sent a status report on the same to the university," St Stephen's Principal Valson Thampu said.

Satish Kumar, an assistant professor in St Stephen's chemistry department was yesterday denied anticipatory bail by a Delhi Court in a sexual harassment case.
The student, who is doing her PhD under Kumar, had approached police last week alleging that she was molested by the accused in October, 2013.

She has also alleged that college principal Valson Thampu tried to protect him when the matter was reported to the college authorities.

Thampu informed that while the matter was reported to the college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), a statutory body to deal with such complaints, the girl had also forwarded a complaint to the university's chemistry department.

"It wasn't clear from the HRD directive whether a status report has been sought from both the committees or St Stephen's alone," he said.

Officials in the HRD ministry said that any action in the case will be taken after evaluating the reply.

"Any action against St Stephen's principal or any further development will be based on the outcome of the reply received from the university," they said.

DU authorities confirmed that they have received the response from St Stephen's College and the same will be communicated to HRD soon.

"A note from the Principal of St Stephen's college was received by DU late last evening. The university will respond to MHRD's letter soon," DU spokesperson Malay Neerav said.