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Gujarat university sacks professor over charges of ‘sexual and mental harassment’ of female colleague

The services of Professor S D Panchal, director of the School of Engineering and Technology, were terminated with immediate effect on Wednesday.

gtu, gujarat technological university, ahmedabad,

The complainant alleged that Panchal would harass her during her research and when she did not heed his demands, the harassment aggravated and led to mental distress. (File photo)

The Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, has terminated the services of a professor after an internal inquiry into allegations of sexual and mental harassment by a female faculty member.

A six-member Internal Inquiry Committee report led to the termination of Professor S D Panchal, director of the School of Engineering and Technology, on Wednesday.

His colleague had filed a complaint against him in August with “documentary evidence, including messages, e-mails and chats”.

“Based on the complaint, the committee conducted a detailed inquiry, including the hearing of over 30 witnesses, and submitted its findings which were sent to both parties. As per the findings, the executive authority under the Board of Governors agreed with the report, and looking at the severity of the case, the university terminated the services of Prof S D Panchal,” GTU Registrar K N Kher told The Indian Express.

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Kher said that this is the first case of sexual harassment against a faculty member at GTU, and the first termination. However, it was revealed that 2-3 anonymous complaints were filed in the same case before a formal complaint was filed by the female faculty member who was working under him.

He was her supervisor when she was undertaking research for her PhD. The complainant alleged that Panchal would harass her during her research and when she did not heed his demands, the harassment aggravated and led to mental distress. Panchal would allegedly threaten to get her research cancelled. After the completion of her PhD, she filed the complaint.

Panchal had also filed an appeal with the appellate committee. Authorities said that a four-member appellate committee was approached in November last year within 30 days of the ICC report. Following the hearing, the appellate committee too agreed with the ICC report.

Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh. Expertise Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes: Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City. Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP. Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More

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