JNU alumni wants CBI probe into Delhi woman's suicide

JNU Delhi alumni in Mumbai along with several NGOs and social groups Thursday demanded a CBI probe into the death of Pavitra Bharadwaj, working with Delhi University's Bhim Rao Ambedkar College in the capital.

"In view of the circumstances surrounding her death, we feel it is necessary for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the case. We have no faith in the investigations by the Delhi Police," said Rakesh Shetty, founder of NGO Ekta.

Shetty said that Ekta is in touch with several like-minded NGOs and activists in Mumbai and New Delhi who will fight to secure justice for the victim and press for a CBI probe.

On Oct 1, the 40-year old Bharadwaj attempted suicide by burning herself outside the Delhi Secretariat, suffering 90-95 percent burns. She succumbed to her injuries a week later.

She was sacked as a laboratory attendant in the college last year after she accused the college principal of repeated sexual harassment.

She filed several cases of sexual harassment against the principal and his associates since 2009, but the university authorities ruled against her.

An executive council member and chairperson of Academics for Actions and Development, A.N. Misra revealed several letters penned by Bharadwaj since 2009 to various organisations including the varsity administration and Delhi Lt. Governor, pointing to mental and physical harassment by the principal.