JNU students, professors demand separate FIRs

New Delhi: Hundreds of students from Jawahar Lal Nehru (JNU) University took to the streets of Delhi on Monday to protest against the university professor Atul Johri, who is accused of sexually harassing female students. While accusing the police of disregarding procedures, 54 JNU professors, including students demanded registration of separate FIRs in all complaints of sexual harassment filed against Professor Atul Johri.

"Delhi Police registered all the nine complaints as one FIR," said JNU students. But, the agitating students demanded separate FIRs for each of the complaints.

The JNUSU, however, said that statements of four complainants have been recorded and rest will be done on Tuesday. But, the police have postponed the statement recording of the accused professor till Tuesday.

A student alleged that postponement is being done to delay his recording and give him more time, since, FIR has been registered, he should be interrogated in custody and not given time to protect himself. However, DCP, SouthWest, Milind Dumbere said that matter is being dealt with as per the law. "Notice has been issued and professor Johri has been called on Tuesday to join the investigation. The legal action is being taken on the complaints of other girl students," he added.

He further said that appropriate sections will be added as per the contents of the complaint. He also said that if professor would not join the investigation, the police could approach him

The teachers said eight complaints of molestations were lodged by women students, however, the police chose to register only one FIR based on only one of the complaints. "Even though, you have received eight complaints, each of which incidents that are distinct and separated by space and time, you have chosen to register only one FIR under only one of the names. We are shocked to learn this as the law requires that separate FIR is registered for each complaint," the petition said.

The agitated professors alleged that such serious sexual offences were being treated in breach of law and the Supreme Court judgments on the matter. "This disregard for even basic procedure suggests that the Delhi Police has no intention of seriously proceeding against Atul Johri," the petition said. The professors also demanded the Johri should not be allowed to make any contact with the complainants.

"We seek an assurance from the law enforcement agency to take measures to ensure that professor Johri is prevented from making any contact with the complainants," they said. Students of School of Life Sciences, with which Professor Johri is associated, have locked down the school demanding his arrest.

According to Delhi Police, investigation is on in JNU case. Notice has been issued to the alleged to join the investigation. Statement of complainants have been got recorded.