National Commission for Women (NCW) today ruled out the allegations of sexual harassment against the principal of a city college made by lab assistant Pavitra Bhardwaj, who died after setting herself ablaze outside Delhi Secretariat on September 30 over the matter.
An inquiry panel set up by NCW observed that "sexual harassment of Bhardwaj by the Principal of Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, GK Arora, was unlikely as the allegations were not substantiated in her earlier letters, where there is no mention of any sexual harassment".
According to the inquiry report, following administrative and disciplinary action taken by the college administration, headed by the principal, which led to her termination from the job, "she desperately started writing to every possible authority regarding (her sacking).
"Finding no relief anywhere, she took the drastic step of self-immolation," the report added.
The panel has recommended that a fair probe be held into the case as per law.
It also called upon Delhi University to take steps as prescribed in its Ordinance to avoid such cases in the future.
NCW asked DU to conduct gender sensitisation workshops to make staffers aware of the laws, service rules, etc.
"As there is no mention of sexual harassment in her earlier letters, we have reached the conclusion that she felt harassed after being terminated from the job and started writing to authorities, who also didn't respond," said Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar, NCW member and head of the inquiry panel.
She further stated that the inquiry report was sent today to the Chief Secretary, government Of NCT Delhi, and to the DU Vice-Chancellor.
Police have booked principal Arora on charges of abetment of suicide in connection with Bhardwaj's death.
Arora, however, has not been arrested yet with police saying they will take appropriate action only after the investigations were completed in the case.
