The governing body of BR Ambedkar College (BRAC) on Friday recommended suspension of the accused principal of the college, pending inquiry into the suicide case of Pavitra Bhardwaj. It also decided to cooperate with the judicial inquiry ordered by the Delhi Government into the self-immolation of a former employee who had charged him with sexual and mental harassment. The decision of the governing body has been sent to Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh for approval. “The resolution passed by the members for suspension of the principal has been sent for approval to the Vice Chancellor of University of Delhi. The move is to ensure that a fair probe takes place into the incident,” said Shiv Nath Sharma, chairperson of the governing body of the college.
Delhi Government ordered a judicial probe into the self-immolation by Pavitra Bhardwaj (35) — a laboratory assistant in BRAC — on September 30 at Delhi Secretariat. She succumbed to her injuries on October 7. She was sacked from the college two years ago after complaining against Arora and another staff member for sexual and mental harassment.
The decision was welcomed by the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA). “As per the ordinance of the DU, the suspension order needs to be approved by the Vice Chancellor. Arora’s suspension is important for a fair probe. We wouldn’t have lost Pavitra had this been done long time back,” said Nandita Narain, President of DUTA.