Following allegations against the head of the Department of Archaeology of Madras University for “manhandling” one of their women colleagues, five students have been suspended for protesting outside the University for the past six days demanding action the same.

The students claimed that the Registrar told them that the department will initiate action within two weeks and re-publish the results, but nothing happened. When the students approached the authorities, they were asked to contact the HOD.

The students also said that they were intentionally given low marks during an internal assessment by the HOD as a result of which they failed the exams. According to the students, this happened as they were part of an earlier protest against a hike in hostel fees. When they confronted the HOD regarding the marks, he allegedly “pushed their female colleague”. The girl had then approached the university’s sexual harassment cell and lodged a complaint.

On Monday, police asked the students to leave, claiming that suspended students cannot stay on campus. The students alleged that the police used force to disperse them, because of which some of them, including members of other organisations like Madhar Sangam who came in support, suffered injuries.

N Mathivanan, the registrar in-charge of Madras University said that the students can appeal against their suspension.

Regarding sexual harassment charges, the registrar said, “The complaint against the professor is being probed and if he is found guilty, the committee will initiate necessary action against him.”

Source: Indian Express

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