Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 22: The principal of Ramanujan College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, has been suspended after a faculty member lodged a complaint alleging sexual harassment. Professor Rasal Singh, the suspended principal, has claimed that the complaint was "retaliatory," arising from his decision not to consider the faculty member’s promotion application due to incomplete documentation.

University of Delhi Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh confirmed that he approved the suspension following a recommendation from a governing body, emphasizing the priority of student safety. A fact-finding committee initially examined the allegations, which were subsequently reviewed by a three-member governing panel.

Professor Singh has approached the Prime Minister’s Office Grievance Cell, asserting that the complaint against him is "false" and aimed at retaliation. He stated that the complaint surfaced immediately after the college’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell rejected the promotion application for documentation issues.

He further alleged that he faced undue pressure to approve the promotion and threats of being implicated in a sexual harassment case. Professor Singh also claimed that proper investigative procedures were not followed and accused members of the probe panel of acting with vested interests for the principal’s position.

“The allegation, baseless as it is, has caused significant professional and personal harm, undermining my reputation as a first-generation academic who has progressed through merit and perseverance,” Professor Singh stated.

The University of Delhi has not disclosed further details regarding the suspension, citing ongoing investigations.