ABVP protests outside Stephens over molestation row

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Friday staged a protest outside St. Stephen's College in Delhi over the alleged sexual harassment of a PhD student by a chemistry professor of the institute.

The protestors were seen climbing trees and compound of the college while waving ABVP flags. Several police personnel were also present at the protest.

A student, who was pursuing a post-doctoral thesis (PhD) in chemistry at the college, has reportedly alleged in a seven-page complaint that an assistant professor had harassed her for two years.

The victim, belonging to a rural background, was allegedly harassed soon after her course began in 2013, following which her parents spoke to the professor and to St. Stephens principal Valson Thampu, but to no avail. The victim has also accused the professor of blocking her monthly stipend.

She also alleged in the First Information Report (FIR) that the principal made her sign declarations suppressing the incident, a charge rejected by Thampu.

She had filed a complaint with the Delhi University's grievance redressal cell but, dissatisfied with the pace of proceedings, she chose to file a complaint with the police.