'Touched my thighs and neck’: NIT professor held for ‘molestation’, 'sexually harassing' student at campus

SILCHAR: An assistant professor of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Silchar has been suspended for allegdly molesting and sexually harassing a student.
The reported incident occurred on the campus at approximately 4.30 pm on Thursday.
After extensive questioning at Ghungoor police outpost, authorities arrested D Koteswara Raju and transferred him to Silchar Sadar Police station on Friday afternoon.
The student's formal complaint to NIT authorities reads, "He called me to come to his cabin to discuss my poor marks in the exams. After I got there along with a friend of mine, I entered his cabin while my friend waited outside. Raju told me to lock the doors of his cabin. Later, bringing out my answer script from one of the shacks, he told me to sit beside him."
The situation escalated when Raju allegedly touched her hands, fingers, neck and thighs, causing her distress. She was able to leave only when her friend called on her mobile.
The news sparked significant student protests on campus by nightfall. A large gathering formed at the administrative block, compelling NIT authorities to address their concerns. The demonstrations, demanding immediate action, continued until 2 am Friday.
NIT Silchar director Dilip Kumar Baidya and registrar Ashim Roy promptly suspended the accused professor. Roy said the case has been referred to the Institute Complaints Committee (ICC) for investigation. Baidya reported reduced but continued student attendance on Friday, with no further protests.
Cachar Police are investigating the case. According to Ghungoor police sources, they have recorded the student's statement and filed an FIR.
NIT sources said this isn't the first such allegation against Raju as a similar incident was reported against him in 2021.