Protest erupt at SKUAST Wadoora over alleged molestation of student
Accused suspended, FIR lodged
Sopore: Massive student protests erupted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Wadura campus in north Kashmir’s Sopore on Friday evening over alleged molestation of a student.
The students staged a candle light protest and demanded immediate action against the accused.
The female student had complained against a RAWE programme coordinator of molesting her.
The family of the complainant also reached the Wadoora campus and joined the protesting students and demanded termination of the accused officer.
The students were raising anti SKUAST-Kashmir slogans and said the accused officer was a blot on the face of SKUAST administration.
“We demand immediate termination of the accused professor. The female students will not feel safe and secure under such an atmosphere. The University should take strict action against the accused,” the students said.
Following the student protest, the authorities at SKUAST have ordered an inquiry to probe the matter.
Meanwhile, the administration at SKUAST Kashmir has placed the accused officer under suspension with immediate effect and has been attached with KVK Pombai, Kulgam.
“Pending enquiry into the matter of alleged misconduct, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, Prof. Head, Division of Agriculture Extension and Communication, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect. He shall remain attached with KVK Pombai, Kulgam,” reads an order issued by Registrar SKUAST-KAshmir Prof. T H Masoodi.
“Consequent upon above, the charge of Head, Division of Agriculture Extension and Communication shall remain with Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura till further orders,” the order reads.
Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar also confirmed that an FIR was registered in this regard.
A top official of SKUAST-Kashmir said the matter will be probed and action will be taken as per law.
“The University will in way accept such incidents and such an atmosphere which will create a sense of insecurity among the students,” the official said.
Bilal Ahmad
