At least 10 JNU students allege sexual harassment by professor; ICC investigating

At least 10 Jawaharlal Nehru University students have accused a professor of sexual harassment, prompting an inquiry by the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

The complaints, submitted around a month ago, allege that the professor invited students to gatherings at his on-campus home and made sexual advances. Some students have also alleged that he made lewd or inappropriate remarks in class.

Officials aware of the proceedings said more senior students came forward with similar experiences after a newer complaint was filed. The ICC declined to comment, saying the matter is internal and under investigation.

JNU vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said complaints of sexual harassment are handled by the ICC and that the vice-chancellor is not part of that body. The professor denied the allegations, saying he was unaware of any complaints and that the claims were false.

The ICC inquiry will determine the next course of action.