SPU beings probe in sexual harassment case

VADODARA/ ANAND: Sardar Patel University (

SPU

) has begun inquiry into the sexual harassment case in which six students of H M

Patel School of Interior Design

have alleged harassment by a professor of the institute.

Based on a student's complaint, Vidyanagar police had booked a professor

Dhaval Panchatara

and institute's principal on Sunday.

A girl student, who hails from Vadodara, had registered a complaint stating that she along with her other girl students of the institute were sexually harassed by Panchatara who allegedly touched their body parts during a lecture in first week of August.

In the complaint, the student had also alleged that the college principal

Kavita Patel

took the professor's side when she was informed about the crime.

The principal had allegedly threatened the girl students that they will be failed in the forthcoming exams if they registered complaint against them.

As part of the probe, SPU officials have convened the meeting of university's own women's cell which was handed over the written complaint of the victims. The institute's women's committee was also called.

According to sources, the college authorities have been given three days time to act in the case. "We have heard the complaints made by the girl students against the professor and principal," said a top official of SPU.

Apart from complaint regarding sexual harassment, the girl students have also complained that the professor does not teach properly during his lectures.

H M Patel School of Interior Design located near Bhaikaka Library is managed by education trust Charutar Vidya Mandal and is affiliated to SPU.