Bareilly College proctor steps down amid row over ‘derogatory’ remarks against woman seer

BAREILLY: The controversy surrounding the removal of Bareilly College’s former Chief Proctor, Dr Alok Khare, has taken a new turn with conflicting statements from the college administration and the professor himself.Dr Khare, who is also the Head of the Botany Department, was initially reported to have been removed from his post following protests by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The protests were triggered by alleged derogatory remarks against a woman seer during Navratri, reportedly made through a social media post attributed to him. According to college officials, ABVP members gathered outside the principal’s office, raised slogans, and demanded action against Khare.At the time, Principal Dr Om Prakash Rai stated that Khare had been “relieved of his duties with immediate effect,” and senior professor Indivar Singh Chauhan was appointed as the new Chief Proctor. ABVP members also submitted a memorandum seeking further action.However, Dr Khare later contested this version, stating that he was not removed but had voluntarily stepped down from the post on March 30, 2026, after completing a four-year tenure.Following this, when TOI contacted again, Principal Rai offered a revised statement, saying he had earlier given an incorrect version to the media under pressure. “I was frightened by the ABVP students and gave a wrong statement. He had sought resignation, and his resignation was accepted,” Rai said.