Demanding justice for their former colleague and an employee of BR Ambedkar College — Pavitra Bhardwaj — the teachers association of Delhi University said that it will approach Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for the strictest action possible against the principal of the college who “sexually assaulted her and compelled her to take the extreme step of self-immolation.”
“It is extremely sad that the culprit, the principal of BR Ambedkar College, whom she has named as the cause of her suicide in her dying declaration roams free while her family, colleagues and well-wishers mourn her death. The DUTA demands that GK Arora, principal of BR Ambedkar College, be immediately arrested under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC and suspended by the University to allow for an impartial probe on the allegations that had been made by Pavitra,” said Nandita Narain, President, DUTA, who attended the cremation ceremony.
The cremation of Pavitra, which took place at 2.30 pm on Monday at the Maujpur cremation ground, was also attended by Former Delhi BJP President Vijender Gupta. “We will protest till Pavitra gets justice. It is a highly unfortunate incident and reminds us of the unimaginable amount of apathy within the State administration. The incident took place a week ago. Yet, till today no enquiry has been initiated, no suspension has been ordered and no FIRs have been lodged against the suspect,” said Gupta, while adding that it’s time that responsibilities be fixed and justice be provided to Pavitra at the earliest.
The DUTA officebearers and Executive members participated in a protest dharna called by the Delhi University Karmachari Union at Ambedkar College on Monday to express solidarity with the Union. Students union DUSU also condemned the University administration for inaction and sought immediate sacking of the principal for which the students will begin protests on Tuesday if no action was taken.