ICC records statement of 2 girls who alleged harassment against teacher of Assam University

August 13: Two female post graduate final semester students of the Department of Visual Arts of Assam University, Silchar lodged a complaint with the Vice Chancellor alleging of ‘harassment and mental torture’ by Abhibrata Chakraborty, Associate Professor of the same department. They specifically alleged that the teacher has intentionally detained them in internal examination. The allegation was also made against two more persons. Finally, after much pressure created by Assam University Research Scholars Forum (AURSF), the Vice Chancellor referred  the matter to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the varsity.

Meanwhile, Abhibrata Chakraborty, the teacher accused in this matter has again denied all such allegations as baseless. He rather claimed that none will be able to provide any evidence to substantiate the baseless allegations heaped against him.

Finally, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the varsity set themselves into action. A source in the university revealed that on 5 August, 2019, Dr. Atri Deshamukhya, Chairperson of ICC (Assam University, Silchar) sent an email to the Registrar wherein she requested him to inform the two girls to appear before the complaints committee on 10 August, 2019 at 12 noon in the chamber of the Chairperson.

In this connection, the two students of the Department of Visual Arts of Assam University appeared before the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on 10 August and got their statements recorded before the committee. The two female students deposited full faith in the ICC. Though it was late, yet they were hopeful of getting justice.

On the other hand, Assam University Research Scholars Forum (AURSF) has also expressed satisfaction at the positive steps adopted by the ICC. Expressing his views, Milon Das, President of the Forum said, “It was around 2 and a half months ago, that the 2 female post graduate final semester students of the Department of Visual Arts lodged a written complaint with the Vice Chancellor seeking justice. However, no action was taken against the accused. It was only when the AURSF took up the matter and mounted pressure on the VC, that the matter was referred to ICC.”

Milon Das further said, “The alleged teacher Abhibrata Chakraborty, the concerned Head of the Department Nirmal Kanti Dey and even the former Head Shivanji failed to provide any satisfactory reply to the queries made by the Forum. The delay of over 2 months in sending the matter to the ICC is something very strange. As per rules, the ICC is to complete the enquiry within a time frame of 90 days, but here the University took 75 days to refer the matter to the ICC.” He categorically said that AURSF will always stand beside the students and will raise its voice in all matters of injustice against the students.