New Tehri. A serious complaint has emerged from the Shri Raghunath Kirti Campus of the Central Sanskrit University in Devprayag, Tehri district, alleging that a faculty member engaged in inappropriate conduct and sexual molestation of two female students – one a minor and the other an adult.
The campus administration lodged a formal complaint with the Bah Bazaar police, leading to the registration of an FIR against Dr. Suryamani Bhandari under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred on 22 August. The campus in‑charge submitted a written grievance on 21 September, detailing the teacher’s alleged indecent behavior and molestation of the two students. In response, the university has also opened an internal inquiry.
Police Launch Investigation
Following the FIR, investigators have begun gathering statements, medical reports, and any other evidence relevant to the case. SSI Anita Negi emphasized that the probe will be conducted impartially, relying strictly on the facts and material evidence available.
Negi added that certain sections of the POCSO Act prescribe a maximum sentence of less than seven years, so the police are adhering to the procedural requirements before making any arrests.
Station House Officer Inspector Amarjeet confirmed that the campus director’s written complaint alleged physical impropriety by the teacher. The police are scrutinising every facet of the allegation and cross‑checking the evidence submitted.
Teacher Suspended Pending Inquiry
Given the gravity of the accusations, the university’s administration has placed Dr. Suryamani Bhandari on suspension with immediate effect until the conclusion of the investigations.
Institution Director PBV Subramanyam explained that the lecturer has been relocated to the campus guest house to prevent any interference with the ongoing inquiry. Simultaneously, the university is conducting its own disciplinary proceedings.
