0
0
Chennai, May 19, 2025:
Multiple complaints of sexual harassment have emerged against the Head of the Oral Pathology Department at the Government Dental College, Chennai, sparking outrage and concern among students and staff. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has yet to take decisive action, with the inquiry process dragging on for over a year.
Allegations Span Verbal, Casteist, and Sexual Abuse
The controversy first came to light last year when a senior assistant professor lodged a formal complaint against the department head, detailing a pattern of verbal abuse, casteist slurs, and sexual harassment directed at female postgraduate (PG) students. According to sources, the accused routinely made demeaning remarks, used profanity, and even recorded audio and video of female students without their consent.
One former PG student recounted, “He told me that my lower body is larger than my torso and that my legs are bent as a result of my excess weight. He has also made comments about my skin tone, colour, and the scars on my legs.” Another student described being subjected to humiliating and inappropriate behaviour, including being asked to spit on the department head and enduring close physical proximity that made her uncomfortable.
Tragic Consequences and Institutional Inaction
The situation took a tragic turn when the senior assistant professor who first raised the complaint died by suicide in January 2025. The reasons for her death remain unclear, but colleagues and former students suggest that the prolonged ordeal and lack of action may have contributed to her distress.
Despite the existence of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at the college, the management did not refer the professor’s complaint to the committee. Officials cited procedural delays and the complainant’s request to wait for more students to come forward, resulting in the lapse of the six-month window required for ICC investigations.
Inquiry Delays and Continued Suffering
According to Principal S Premkumar, the college initiated an inquiry and submitted a report to the DME. However, the DME returned the file, requesting further investigation of the accused. The process was further delayed due to the medical leave of the inquiry faculty. As of March 2025, the final report has been resubmitted, but no action has been taken.
A faculty member, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration: “I don’t know why the management took so long to finish the inquiry. He is still behaving in the same manner with the students, and their ordeal continues.”
Legal Perspective and the Need for Reform
Legal experts emphasize the importance of timely and thorough investigations. Sudha Ramalingam, a Chennai-based lawyer, stated, “Every institution should have an ICC committee, and such complaints should not be taken lightly. The inquiry should be completed within 90 days after the complaint is raised.”
The Road Ahead
The allegations have highlighted the urgent need for institutional accountability and a safer environment for students and staff. With the inquiry still pending and the accused reportedly continuing in his position, victims and advocates are calling for swift action and systemic reforms to prevent further incidents.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by The New Indian Express and other publicly available sources as of May 19, 2025. The allegations described are currently under investigation, and no conclusions have been reached regarding the guilt or innocence of the individuals involved. All parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Readers are advised to follow updates from official channels for the latest developments.
Citations:
