SRINAGAR: Students of the Department of Chemistry at the Central University of Kashmir’s Nunner campus in Ganderbal staged a protest on Thursday over allegations of harassment of a female student by the Head of the Department, prompting the university administration to initiate steps for an internal inquiry.
The protesting students boycotted classes and laboratory sessions and raised slogans demanding the removal or stepping down of the HoD. The protest was held within the campus and drew the attention of senior university officials, who reached the spot as the demonstration continued.
Students alleged that grievances against the HoD had persisted for several months, including claims of verbal abuse during classes. They also alleged harassment of a female student.
A senior university official said the administration had received a formal complaint from the students and would constitute an internal inquiry committee to examine the allegations.
The official said the university treats complaints concerning student welfare, academic integrity and harassment seriously and that students could also approach the Internal Complaints Committee.
He said the Vice-Chancellor had directed that the HoD could be attached if found at fault, while the formal inquiry would determine the facts and any further action would be taken in accordance with law if the allegations were established.
