Lucknow University on Tuesday took strict action against a final-year graduate student for alleged emotional and sexual harassment by leaking question papers and inciting lewd conversations. An emergency executive meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor JP Saini suspended Parameet Singh (40), the accused assistant professor of zoology, with immediate effect after the inquiry committee received prima facie evidence against him.
Hasanganj police arrested Professor Parameet Singh on May 16 on the basis of a complaint filed by the university’s controller of examinations. The incident came to light after several audio clips of the conversation with the student went viral on social media. In an audio clip that has gone viral, the accused teacher is heard addressing the student as ‘darling’ and luring her to deliver the leaked question papers when he comes to her residence ahead of the exam. This incident has created a stir in the education circles of the state.
A three-member high-level disciplinary committee constituted by the university authorities said the accused teacher abused his position and tried to sexually exploit the student. The committee held him fully responsible for violating the teachers’ code of conduct, serious emotional and sexual abuse at work and tarnishing the academic dignity and image of the university. Examining the viral audio clips of the executive council meeting, the members opined that such behavior is against the dignity of the sacred teacher-student relationship.
Before his arrest, Assistant Professor Parmeet Singh pleaded not guilty in a telephone conversation with PTI. He claimed to be a victim of internal politics of the university. However, a source at the executive council meeting said the accused admitted that the voice that went viral was his during Monday’s meeting but argued that he had mouthed the conversation. The victim appeared before the Inquiry Committee and recorded the entire series of incidents of mental torture and pressure on her.
In the meantime, the university administration has filed a charge sheet against the temporarily suspended professor. He has been asked to file a written reply with all the evidence within 15 days. If a satisfactory reply is not received within the stipulated time, action of dismissal will be taken against him.
