Prof Johri's presence on campus is threatening, JNU students complain
Accusing the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration of shielding a professor facing sexual harassment charges, a group of university students has filed a police complaint, saying they are "threatened" with his presence on the campus. The students have also sought protection from the police in their complaint against JNU professor Atul Kumar Johri. A police official said, "We are looking into the issue."
Presence of accused making it a distressing environment: Students
"We, the students of School of Life Sciences, are feeling threatened. The presence of the accused in the premises is making it a distressing environment. He's coming to school premises daily for past three days," they said in the complaint filed at Vasant Kunj Police Station last night. A police official said they have received the complaint but no FIR has been registered yet.
Delhi HC directed JNU to initiate probe against Johri
On Wednesday, Delhi High Court Justice Rajiv Shakdher directed the university to initiate a probe against Johri. The court also said: "Can't you (JNU) advise him to stay outside the campus till the inquiry is completed? Can't you treat the representations as complaints? The core issue is that the students should feel safe in the campus. I'm not saying you completely trash the professor."
Vice-Chancellor providing the accused with security guards
The court said, "Take his (Johri's) defense, give him a preliminary hearing. Do something, you can't expose your students like this." The police complaint by the students alleged that the Vice-Chancellor was "providing the accused with security guards".
Provide minimum safety to continue normally without any fear: Students
"This shows how accused is being shielded and allowed to create an environment of indirect influence and intimidation for the safety of victims, friends of victims, witness, as well as other school students," the complaint said. "We request you to look into the matter and provide us minimum safety and security for a work and life to continue normally without any fear," it read.
