Delhi: Protesters vow to stop college from becoming Sandeshkhali amid sexual harassment allegations against professor

In a fervent display of dissent, protesters congregated outside Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in New Delhi on Monday, denouncing alleged acts of sexual harassment attributed to Salim Sheikh, an Assistant Professor at the institution. Organised by the Mahila Nyay Smiti, the demonstration was a response to multiple accusations leveled against Sheikh by female students of the college.

The allegations, predominantly voiced by female medical students, have reverberated across societal spectra, eliciting condemnation and indignation. Protesters accused the professor of subjecting female students to physical abuse and intimidation within the precincts of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital and Medical College.

Dharmender Suri, a vocal participant in the protest, articulated the prevailing sentiment, stating, “An active Muslim professor committed heinous acts of physical abuse and intimidation against female students at Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital and Medical College. There is widespread anger and outrage across all sections of society against this despicable act,” as reported by the New Indian.

The demonstration, aimed at securing justice for the affected students and heightening societal awareness, manifested as a sizable public gathering outside Gate No. 2 of the college. Tensions ran high at the scene, necessitating a significant police presence to maintain order. Protesters brandished placards condemning the accused professor and clamored for his immediate removal from his position. Slogans reverberated through the air, echoing the collective call for justice.

The genesis of the protests can be traced back to allegations made by two college girls who reported instances of sexual harassment by Sheikh during their MBBS viva on January 31. Subsequently, the victims filed a police complaint on February 22nd. However, the protesting organisations lamented the perceived inaction on the part of the police in addressing the matter.

Supported by several Hindu outfits in the city, protesters adorned the streets with posters bearing the message, ‘they would not let the college turn into Sandeshkhali.’ The National Commission of Women has also taken cognisance of the event, urging swift action in the case.

Expressing her discontent, one female protester decried the alleged apathy of the authorities towards the incident. “We will not let it be Sandeskhali or West Bengal. The women in the college are suffering. Police should take strict action. They lodged the case but released him on bail. All went in vain. We want action,” she exclaimed.