Guwahati: An Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, Assam, has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a female student, police said on Friday.
About The Case
Dr. Koteswara Raju Dhenukonda, who taught Electrical Engineering, was suspended by the institute before his arrest. Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta said the professor attempted to evade arrest by locking his quarter from the outside but was tracked via his mobile phone and detained at 5:30 PM. He has been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The arrest followed a written complaint by the student, who said the professor summoned her to discuss low grades and then inappropriately touched her. “He held my hands, touched my thighs, played vulgar songs, and grabbed my neck from behind,” her complaint, now viral.
She managed to escape after receiving a call from a friend waiting outside. Students staged an overnight protest demanding action. NIT Silchar has sealed the professor’s chamber, and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has launched an inquiry. Registrar Ashim Roy assured full support to the victim, while Director Dilip Kumar Baidya said the situation on campus is now under control.