Banaras Hindu University professor suspended for 'sexual misconduct'

LUCKNOW: Soon after directing the sexual harassment cell of the university to conduct a probe into alleged sexual misconduct, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) administration suspended SK Chaubey, a professor in the zoology department on Wednesday. According to BHU administration, Prof Chaubey will remain suspended till completion of the probe.

As per university sources, Prof Chaubey was suspended after BHU V-C Rakesh Bhatnagar had summoned him on Tuesday to seek clarification over charges of sexual misconduct levelled against him by some students of the zoology department. According to BHU PRO Rajesh Singh, the matter would be investigated as per standard procedures laid down by the university's women grievance cell. "The professor would remain suspended from duty till the completion of the investigation.

Appropriate action would be taken against him on the basis of investigation report," he said.Notably, a group of students of zoology department were recently on an educational excursion to Puri and Bhubaneswar in Odisha as part of their curriculum.

On their return, the girls submitted a written complaint to the university administration accusing Prof Chaubey of making unwarranted obscene and vulgar remarks during the trip."After a brief visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, the professor took us to the Konark Sun temple where he unnecessarily tried to explain some images in stone," they had alleged adding that when objected, the professor threatened to deduct their practical examination marks ."In class too, he makes offensive remarks that amount to sexual harassment," they had further alleged.