A PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has alleged physical assault and sexual harassment by her supervisor, sparking widespread outrage after she detailed her claims in a social media post on Saturday.
Allegations of Assault and Coercion
In her post on X, the researcher alleged that the faculty member punched her in the eye after she refused what she described as inappropriate demands. She claimed he pressured her to accompany him on a research trip to Japan and threatened to expel her from the doctoral programme when she declined. The scholar asserted that the sustained coercion was rooted in the power imbalance inherent in the supervisor-student relationship.
Surveillance and Evidence Tampering
The researcher further alleged that the faculty member installed unauthorised surveillance cameras in his laboratory to fabricate evidence, controlled the footage, and later barred her from entering the lab to retrieve her mobile phone, which she said contained proof against him.
Institutional Response Criticised
She also flagged what she described as a delayed institutional response. According to her, a meeting with the institute director and members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) assured her of prompt action and a change of supervisor, but no concrete steps followed. She alleged that on the same day her family left campus after a visit, she was called late at night by the ICC and asked to give a statement to police saying she was "satisfied" with its decision.
The scholar said her family, from a village background, incurred around Rs 20,000 in travel expenses over multiple visits. She added that her father was left in severe distress and an uncle had to be hospitalised following the incident.
Institute and Police Response
IIT-Ropar director Rajeev Ahuja said the complaint was reported on April 29 and action was initiated the next day. The accused faculty member was sent on two months' forced leave and the matter was referred to the police, he said.
He added that the ICC took cognisance within 24 hours, granted immediate interim relief to ensure the complainant's safety and academic continuity, and that medical support and counselling were being provided.
The SHO of Ropar Sadar police station, inspector Sunny, said the matter was under investigation and action would follow upon receipt of a formal complaint. He added that the student and her family had chosen to wait for the ICC report before approaching the police.
