Jodhpur: Police arrested a 29-year-old assistant professor at Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University Monday over allegations of sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct and sending obscene messages to girl students.According to police, a student lodged a complaint alleging that Dr Ajit Singh Charan had engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct and used objectionable language towards her since Jan. She also accused him of following and harassing her.Other girl students have also reportedly made similar allegations against the professor, who taught in the university’s anatomy department on an urgent temporary basis.The complainants alleged that Charan sent objectionable messages through WhatsApp and Instagram, pressured them to develop personal relationships, asked them to visit his room and made inappropriate remarks about their clothing and physical appearance. They also alleged that he threatened students who refused to communicate with him.The students submitted WhatsApp chat records to the university administration.The matter escalated Saturday when students protested at the vice-chancellor’s office, demanding action.Vice-Chancellor Dr Govind Sahai Shukla met the students and assured them that the university would recommend cancellation of Charan’s registration after receiving the inquiry report, subject to the applicable procedure.The university terminated Charan’s services with immediate effect and formed an inquiry committee.Additional DCP Narendra Singh Deora said, “We are examining the allegations and the digital evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged misconduct.”The chats have also raised questions about the possible knowledge or involvement of the university’s principal and other faculty members, though their roles, if any, remain to be established.
