A first-year PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar has accused an assistant professor of serious misconduct, including physical assault, harassment, and intimidation, prompting both an internal inquiry and a police investigation.
According to the student’s allegations shared on social media, the faculty member assaulted her after she refused to comply with his demands and allegedly pressured her to accompany him to Japan under the pretext of a research-related visit. She further claimed that even before joining the institute, he had attempted to influence her by offering assistance with postdoctoral opportunities and employment prospects.
The scholar also alleged sustained harassment during her time at the institute, stating that she was threatened with expulsion from the PhD programme and denied access to laboratory facilities. Among the more serious claims, she said unauthorised surveillance cameras had been installed in the lab to fabricate evidence against her, and that her mobile phone containing important data had gone missing under suspicious circumstances.
In response to the complaint, IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja said the institute acted promptly. The accused faculty member has been placed on forced leave for two months and barred from entering the campus and laboratory premises while the inquiry is underway. The matter was also referred to the police, and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) initiated proceedings within 24 hours.
The institute stated that interim measures have been implemented to ensure the student’s safety and allow her academic work to continue without disruption. Medical assistance and counselling support have also been provided.
Police authorities in Ropar have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with further action likely to depend on the filing of a formal complaint. The student and her family are reportedly awaiting the outcome of the ICC proceedings before taking additional legal steps.
Officials have emphasised the importance of protecting the complainant’s identity as the case continues to attract attention, with both institutional and legal processes currently in progress.
