NIN scientist accused of sexual harassment suspended

A senior scientist at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition has been placed under suspension following allegations that he "sexually harassed" a final-year woman student at the institute, a senior official said today.

K Bhaskarachary (58), a scientist in the Food Chemistry Division, allegedly sent obscene and vulgar messages to the student's phone through a messaging app last month, the official said.

The woman, a second-year MSc (Nutrition) student, is a Dalit.

Last week she complained to the NIN director Dr Hemalatha R and after an internal inquiry and based on its recommendations, Bhaskarachary, a 'Grade-E' scientist, was placed under suspension, the official said.

The official said no police complaint has been lodged in connection with the alleged incident.

The NIN director has constituted a committee with external representatives to further probe the allegations.

"Further inquiry is going on and the committee has been told to submit its report on a fast-track basis. Based on its report, further action will be initiated against the suspended scientist," another senior official at the Institute told PTI.

According to the NIN website, Bhaskarachary is a recognised PhD supervisor in Nutrition and Biochemistry and currently guiding students.

NIN is celebrating its centenary.