Ahmedabad: Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Prof S D Panchal, a former university registrar, accused of sexually harassing a woman faculty member at the School of Engineering and Technology.
GTU finally issued a show-cause notice to Panchal on Wednesday, four months after the complaint was filed. In its report submitted earlier this month, the probe committee had "prima facie found evidence supporting the allegations that required further investigation", GTU sources said.
According to the complaint, the pattern of allegedly inappropriate behaviour began during the woman's doctoral studies. The professor would allegedly send her text messages every day on social media apps like Telegram, suggesting sexual favours in return for helping her complete her doctoral degree. According to an excerpt from the complaint filed on July 25, "...he repeatedly intimidated me, conveying a sense of power and assurance that the VC would follow his instructions".
He would allegedly often engage in work discussions while attempting to build trust through personal conversations, claiming loneliness and harbouring suicidal thoughts.
Panchal also allegedly asked the complainant to visit his office every day, failing which he would "insist on it through phone calls" or "ask someone else" to convey the same to her.
At one point, she used to receive 10 to 25 messages a day, the complainant alleges.
The situation allegedly escalated in March 2022 when, after Panchal made explicit advances, the complainant faced retaliatory behaviour.
"He attempted to sexually harass me, but I evaded these attempts firmly and refused to give in to him. This led to a complete transformation in his attitude. He had a totally different personality. His behaviour was very rude," the complaint alleges.
On Dec 16, 2022, Panchal allegedly sent her a text message hinting at an inappropriate quid pro quo — "One may require going to a hotel too to get a PhD." Panchal is also accused of allegedly blackmailing and stalking her in addition to threatening to ruin her career.
The complaint also alleges that the woman's brother was threatened and asked to keep the matter private. Panchal also allegedly asked a woman staffer to call up the complainant to strike a compromise in the matter.