Probe delay deepens differences

With the delay in inquiry into the sexual harassment case at Punjab Agricultural University PAU, fault lines have clearly emerged on the campus.

With the delay in inquiry into the sexual harassment case at Punjab Agricultural University PAU, fault lines have clearly emerged on the campus.

Those advising the current regime are the former officials of the university who believe that the delay in settling such issues not only hampers investigations, but also mars the reputation of the institution.

Dr K S Aulakh, former Vice-Chancellor who settled one such case in 2001 said, 8220;Such a complaint is highly condemnable. And I cannot buy the statement that a girl or a woman would make a blatantly false complaint on such an issue. Rather a girl coming out in the open on the issue is a very brave step.8221;

He added, 8220;Delaying inquiry into such a matter is torturous for the complainant and hence should be settled at the earliest. On my part, I would call for an exemplary punishment for the perpetrator.8221;

The issue pertains to a woman employee accusing Dr Dulcha Singh Brar, Director, Students8217; Welfare, of sexual harassment. Vice-Chancellor Dr M S Kang had asked Dr Neelam Grewal, Dean, College of Home Science, to look into the matter.

It has been over a fortnight, however, since the complaint was lodged and the committee is yet to call in any of the parties to record their statements.

This delay has inadvertently led to fault lines emerging on the campus. Sources said a delegation of wardens met the Dr Kang on Wednesday evening and submitted a letter in support of the DSW.

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While Dr Kang is out of country, a senior warden on condition of anonymity said: 8220;We are not saying anything against the complainant. We have only told the V-C that we have all worked under the DSW and never faced any such problem.8221;

Amandeep Kaur, a diploma student of the

College of Home Science, said: 8220;The basic idea is that an inquiry into this matter should be conducted as soon as possible. This issue is not about just one girl but about all the women students on the campus. If this matter is handled well, more and more girls will be motivated to voice their problems.8221;

Dr S S Johl, former Vice-Chancellor and director research, Punjab Agricultural University, said: 8220;The girl has even submitted evidence in this case, although it was never needed in the first place. The university authorities should take action as quickly as possible as even the name of the institute is at stake.8221;