Research Scholars Forum of Assam University demands immediate action against a teacher who allegedly harassed 2 female students

August 1: Controversies seemed to be a part and parcel of Assam University. An allegation of mental torture and intentionally detaining two female students was levied against a teacher of the Department of Visual Arts, Assam University, Silchar. Abhibrata Chakraborty, Associate Professor of the Department of Visual Arts of the varsity is involved in this controversy. Although he denied all such allegations as baseless, but the atmosphere inside the campus has become surcharged on this incident. However, Mr. Chakraborty has claimed that none will be able to provide any evidence to substantiate the allegations heaped against him.

In this connection, around 2 and a half months ago, two students of post graduation of the Department of Visual Arts lodged a written complaint with the Vice Chancellor seeking justice. On Thursday, the Assam University Research Scholars Forum (AURSF) took up this issue. In a memorandum written to the Vice Chancellor, the AURSF gave an ultimatum of 7 days time to do an impartial inquiry in this matter and make public the report. AURSF stated that if their demand is not fulfilled within the stipulated time, then they will launch a massive agitation.

Milon Das, President of AURSF informed that the alleged teacher Abhibrata Chakraborty, the concerned Head of the Department Nirmal Kanti Dey and even the formed Head Shivanji failed to provide any satisfactory reply to the queries made by the Forum. He raised several question, such as, why was the matter suppressed since such a long period of time? Why no departmental investigation was done inspite of making a formal complaint by the two female students? Why were the two female students illegally detained in the internal examination thereby debarring them from appearing in the 4th semester examination? Why instead of taking the classes himself, Abhibrata sent the two female students to a research scholar Kaustav Nag? Milon said that many such questions still remained unanswered.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Assam University Unit of ABVP, a complaint in this regard was also lodged with the Vice Chancellor, wherein immediate suspension of Abhibrata Chakraborty was demanded. The members of ABVP stated that the Vice Chancellor has informed them that the matter was referred to Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as per guidelines and action against the alleged teacher will be taken up on the basis of the report of ICC.