Mangalore, July 22: A protest was staged by the students of St Raymond’s College at Vamanjoor on Tuesday July 22 against the alleged sexual harassment of a student by a lecturer Harish that came to light on Monday July 21.
The college management, meanwhile, came out in strong defence of the accused lecturer.
A meeting was held between Police officials including DCP (crime) Dr K.V. Jagadish, inspector Raghav Padil, Dharmendra, Pawan and the school management on steps to be taken in the matter and measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Principal of the college Sister Cecilia D’Souza, addressing the media after the meeting said, “Harish has been a teacher here for 12 years and till now we have never received any complaint of sexual harassment or anything against him. The teacher was strict, which was not liked by some of the students.”
“The girl in question is studying in second PU. The other students had complained that she used to trouble them, after which, she gave a written statement admitting her guilt. On July 21, the lecturer examined a few issues and advised the girl accordingly. The girl accepted her fault. We cannot reveal details of the matter in view of the student’s future. But we will cooperate with the police and give them all the information they require,” she said.
In the meantime, students and parents gathered at the college premises and protested. Some of the ABVP activists who came into the campus were driven out by the police. They later started protesting on the road.
Speaking to the media, a student said, “We do not need protection. They might give protection today, but tomorrow who will protect us? The management is asking us to either remain in college or go home. We are not going home, we are here to protest.”
At the same time, another group of students came in support of the lecturer and insisted that no action must be taken against him. The group supporting him and the one against him shouted slogans outside the college.
