MSU professor accused of sexual abuse suspended

MSU Vice Chancellor Dr K Baskar ordered the suspension of Dr P Govindaraju (57),  Dean, College Development Council, who was also Professor and Head, Department of Communication, based on the report from Vishaka Committee, which probes internal sexual complaints in any institution or department.

Sources in MSU said the allegation was being investigated by the internal complaints committee as per standard procedure and the faculty would remain suspended from his duty till the completion of investigation.

During the preliminary investigation, the faculty admitted to have committed the crime. Appropriate action would be initiated against him based on the findings of the committee, it said.

The Vice Chancellor, Registrar S Santhosh Baboo and three other senior faculties received an anonymous letters along with compact discs on October 17.  While the letter elaborated the sexual harassment meted out to a 26-year-old woman research scholar by the faculty, the compact discs contained the telephonic conversation between them.

The faculty member contacted the research scholar over her mobile phone in the odd hours and talked to her in lewd language. He threatened the girl saying she would not be allowed to complete her research and take her degree if she refused to cooperate with him.

Though the faculty member contacted the girl for around 280 times, the compact discs containing the telephonic conversation, was available only for seven occasions.

Meanwhile, Dr Govindarju reportedly went on an indefinite medical leave from Thursday, the sources added.