Nalanda University acting V-C resigns over charges of burying sexual harassment case

The interim vice chancellor of Nalanda University resigned today after allegations were levelled against him for trying to stifle a complaint of sexual harassment filed against one of the University students. Several students alleged that V-C Pankaj Mohan dissuaded the victim from pursuing the matter and taking steps against the guilty.

Mohan has written an open letter to the students on his resignation:

Dear members of Nalanda University Community,

I express my sincere apology to the members of Nalanda University Community for my inability to uphold their trust. I take moral responsibility for the problems that the University experienced in the last three days. I have relinquished all the administrative positions and I have also advised the Chancellor to institute an inquiry into the period of my term as Interim Vice Chancellor. If I am found guilty of any willful error I will quit the university.

Sincerely,

Pankaj Mohan

Though Mohan did not mention the incident of complaint of sexual harassment against two students and due to delay in initiating action against them a group of students held agitation against him today, but the relinquishing of post by Pankaj Mohan is apparently in that context.

Mohan is said to have ignored and discouraged the student who was sexually harassed and her colleagues when they approached him with the complaint, invoking the university's "reputation".

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