Three Delhi University Professors Allege Sexual Harassment and Threats by Male Colleagues at Kalindi College

New Delhi, Dec 20: Three female professors from Delhi University’s Kalindi College have accused a group of male colleagues of sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and physical threats, according to complaints submitted to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the local police. The allegations have raised serious concerns about workplace safety and the handling of complaints within the institution. One of the professors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she and her colleagues were subjected to obscene gestures, sexually coloured remarks, and threats of physical harm by male faculty members. She claimed that despite submitting video evidence and supporting documents to the ICC, the committee informed her that there was not enough material evidence to proceed. “Even after providing a video recording file and several documents, we were told there was a lack of material proof,” she said. A video accessed reportedly shows a male professor threatening physical violence against one of the complainants. However, it has not independently verified the authenticity of the video. The complainant stated that such incidents created a hostile and unsafe working environment, affecting her mental well-being and ability to work freely. According to a formal complaint dated July 17, the professors alleged that they were subjected to derogatory and slanderous comments that were gender-based and humiliating. The complaint also mentions sexualised remarks and direct physical threats. One of the complainants, a senior teacher with nearly 20 years of service, urged the ICC to act promptly and ensure a safe and respectful workplace as required by law. The professors have also raised concerns about delays in the handling of their complaints. One complaint filed on August 27 has allegedly not been processed so far. In her written submission, one professor appealed for immediate action and protection from further harassment, stating that the lack of response had left her feeling vulnerable and unheard. As the matter remained unresolved at the college level, the professors approached the police. A complaint was lodged at Patel Nagar police station on November 7. A senior police officer confirmed that the complaint had been registered and an enquiry was underway. “An enquiry is being conducted. We are yet to examine all witnesses and the accused. Legal action has been initiated. We have also contacted the college to record their statement and assist in the investigation,” the officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan confirmed that an enquiry is ongoing but clarified that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet. Police officials said further steps would depend on the outcome of the enquiry and the statements of all parties involved. The allegations have drawn attention to the functioning of internal grievance redressal systems in educational institutions. Experts say ICCs are meant to provide a safe and confidential platform for women to report harassment, and delays or dismissals can discourage victims from coming forward. The source attempted to contact the officiating principal of Kalindi College for a response to the allegations and the handling of the complaints, but there was no reply at the time of publication. The case continues to unfold as police enquiries progress and questions remain over the ICC’s response to the complaints. For the professors involved, the focus remains on accountability, safety, and the right to work in an environment free from fear and harassment. Three Delhi University Professors Allege Sexual Harassment and Threats by Male Colleagues at Kalindi College Three female professors from Delhi University’s Kalindi College have accused a group of male colleagues of sexual harassment, inappropriate remarks, and physical threats, raising serious questions about workplace safety in educational institutions. The complaints have been formally submitted to the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as well as the local police. One of the professors, who chose to remain anonymous, said she faced obscene gestures, sexually coloured comments, and threats of physical harm from male faculty members. She claimed that despite submitting video evidence and documents to the ICC, she was informed that there was not enough material proof to move forward. The professors say this response left them feeling ignored and unsafe at their workplace. A video accessed by media reportedly shows a male professor threatening physical violence against one of the complainants. While the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified, the professors say such incidents created a hostile work environment and caused mental stress. A formal ICC complaint dated July 17 mentions derogatory, gender-based comments, sexualised remarks, and physical threats. One of the complainants has nearly 20 years of teaching experience and urged the committee to ensure a safe and respectful environment, as required by law. The professors have also alleged delays in the complaint process. One complaint filed on August 27 is said to still be pending. Frustrated by the lack of action, they approached the police. A complaint was lodged at Patel Nagar police station on November 7. Police officials confirmed that an enquiry is underway and that statements from all parties are being recorded. However, no FIR has been registered so far. The attempts to reach the college’s officiating principal for comment did not receive a response. As the enquiry continues, the case has sparked conversations around how harassment complaints are handled and the need for stronger accountability within institutions.