Kashmir professor removed for ‘harassing’ students

(Representative image): Registrar Nisar Ahmad Mir said he had spoken to the protesting students and assured them that anyone using ‘such language’ should be reported to university authorities immediately.

SRINAGAR: Central University of Kashmir has removed chemistry department head Chinnappan Baskar after some female students accused him of harassing them and asking one of them out on a “date”.“Pending an inquiry into the complaint, Chinnappan Baskar is attached with the office of dean (academic affairs) with immediate effect and relieved of all official assignments,” an order issued by the varsity’s deputy registrar stated.

Scores of students had protested against Baskar on Thursday, accusing him of passing “lewd remarks” at female students, telling one of them she was becoming “more beautiful with each passing day” before asking her out on a date. The protesters also alleged that Baskar threatened to “destroy” their careers.Registrar Nisar Ahmad Mir said he had spoken to the protesting students and assured them that anyone using “such language” should be reported to university authorities immediately. He quoted the students as saying that Baskar used “abusive language in the class.”“We brought the matter to the notice of the vice-chancellor, who ordered his attachment and an inquiry,” Mir said. He claimed this was the first such complaint officially made to varsity officials.In a statement on Saturday, the university reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, assuring complainants confidentiality and action under the 2013 Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.