Chennai's Kalakshetra Arts College Rocked By Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Teacher, Classes Suspended

The Rukmini Devi College for Fine Arts in Chennai has suspended classes till April 6 after the institute has been rocked by a students protest demanding action against a teacher facing sexual harassment allegations.

Students of Kalakshetra Educational Institute in Thiruvanmiyur, which operates under the central government's control, have been protesting inside the institute to take action against the professor who sexually harassed the students.

BCCL

Why are students protesting

Students have raised allegations on social media that a professor was sexually harassing students and that the authorities have failed to act against the accused.

On Thursday, many students skipped their year-end examinations and protested under the Banyan tree inside the campus, demanding the immediate suspension of an assistant professor and three others.

BCCL

The protesting students alleged that the Kalakshetra administration is reluctant to take action against the concerned teachers as they have been working for a long time.

The students said that the protest will continue in the absence of any concrete response from the college administration regarding taking formal action against the professor.

What Kalakshetra said

Meanwhile, Kalakshetra, in a statement, said the Chairman and the Governing Board is fully appraised of protests and grievances, and all steps would be taken to ensure that no person involved in any unsavoury activity in the Foundation will be spared.

BCCL

"There have been some allegations which we are considering. Some of the students of the Foundation have been protesting in our campus. The Director and the Deputy director from administration have spoken to the students taking into consideration the sentiments and grievances of the students.

NCW chief meets Kalakshetra students

On Wednesday, National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma visited Kalakshetra to enquire about the allegations.

Following this, the NCW ordered the Tamil Nadu Police to conduct an investigation.

A complaint had been filed by a girl victim from Kalakshetra at Adyar Police Station.

On March 25, the NCW had said that it was informed by the Director that the internal complaints committee report did not find any evidence of sexual harassment on campus.

BCCL

"The Foundation had already sought an explanation from the persons against whom some allegations have been made and on receipt of their explanation, the Chairman and the Governing Board will consider the appropriate action that has to be taken in accordance with its Rules and Regulations and in conformity with the law.

The Chairman and the Governing Board are fully appraised of protests and grievances and all steps will be taken to ensure that no person who is involved in any unsavoury activity in the Foundation will be spared, an NCW statement read.

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