With series of allegations raised by student unions and local activists that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) administration has been shielding absconding Professor Mohd Shabbir, the university had refuted all the charges leveled against them on Thursday.
Notably, the girl hailing from Kashmir was alleged molested by Chairman of law Department, AMU Professor Mohd Shabbir. Of which she complained to university administration on December 3 and lodged FIR under section 354 and 354-A at Civil lines police station on December 6.
"The AMU would like to clarify that the Vice Chancellor is no way trying to shield Prof. Shabbir. This clarification had been issued only in the interest of the victim who during her interaction with the VC complained that she was being asked embarrassing questions about her "rape"," said AMU’s Public Relation Officer, Dr Rahat Abrar in a press statement adding that VC condemns all acts of misbehavior against women and will protect all their interests on the AMU campus. Prof. Shabbir will be answerable for his deeds by the due process of law.
The National Student Union of India (NSUI) had threatened that if the prof shabbir will not be arrested within 48 hours. They would launch a massive agitation by closing all the schools. The student leaders have expressed their anger over the case.
As reported, in the evening when some girl students tried to carry out candle march in support of victim student. The university administration swung into action and stopped them from doing any kind of agitation in University. "The students will again carry out peace march in the university on Friday," said sources. late on Wednesday evening, Victim’s lawyer, Poonam Bajaj along with other girls went to meet SSP Aligarh demanding immediate arrest of the absconding professor.
They were given assurance that police had been searching for him and he would be arrested soon. "I will pursue the case of Victim girl and will do anything that could be done for getting justice. Police should speed up the search for professor and arrest him immediately," said Poonam Bajaj while talking to local reporters.
Earlier even NBW was issued against the absconding professor who had not surrendered since case was registered against him. In year 2006, professor was suspended for alleged sexual harassment of a US student, who was on a visit to University. When the student went back to US, she had lodged a complaint with the US embassy. It was forwarded to AMU, but after four months of suspension he was given clean chit.