Scholar did not pursue her research properly: Stephen’s prof tells DCW

The St Stephen's professor, accused of molesting a research scholar pursuing PhD under him, today told the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) that the complaint against him was a fallout of his objection to the girl's poor performance during the research.

Professor Satish Kumar, college principal Valson <g data-gr-id="28">Thampu</g> and the victim appeared before DCW chief Swati Maliwal. In the three-hour long hearing, the accused professor alleged that the girl was trying to tarnish his image. "Satish Kumar told the commission on Wednesday that the girl was not doing her research work properly and she did not work on any segment after March, 2014. He also said that she did not submit reports of any work done by her and is now making attempts to tarnish his image," sources at DCW said.

Kumar was asked by the DCW chief whether he had reported the girl's "dissatisfactory" performance to the university, research council or the UGC and also directed him to produce evidences regarding the same and his version in an affidavit on August 26.

"The commission will question the university about its role in the issue and efforts made to resolve the complaint.

The university will be asked to constitute a separate committee to probe this case and initiate proceedings for <g data-gr-id="24">change</g> of her supervisor," they added. Taking cognisance of the complaint submitted by the victim to DCW, the commission had last week issued <g data-gr-id="23">summons</g> to <g data-gr-id="21">Thampu</g> and the accused professor.

The girl had approached police last month alleging that she was molested by Kumar, an assistant professor in the college's chemistry department, under whom she was pursuing research.