Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 31: Professor in the department of economics of Mangalore University, Prof Arabi U, who has been facing the allegation of sexually harassing a research scholar of the economics department of the university, has been suspended from service. This step has been taken in view of the decision taken at the university syndicate meeting to dismiss him from service, pending conclusion of inquiry.

Even though a committee entrusted with the task of probing the complaint had submitted its report two years ago, it had been concealed instead of making it public and acting against the person found guilty. Only after the state women's commission followed up the matter and sought a status report, it was tabled in the syndicate meeting where a decision to dismiss Prof Arabi was taken. The syndicate decided to act not only against Prof Arabi, but also against the then registrar of the university, Dr A M Khan, who has been charged with keeping the report under wraps.

Mangalore University (file photo)

The syndicate, in addition to taking the decision to dismiss Prof Arabi, had also arrived at the decision to recommend the state government action against Dr Khan.