Ramjas professor faces suspension

The Times of India

1st Nov 2007

NEW DELHI: The college complaints committee (CCC) investigating the sexual harassment charges against Ramjas College vice-principal B N Ray has recommended that he should be suspended till the inquiry is over. The recommendations, made on Wednesday, have been forwarded to principal Rajendra Prasad.

The nine-member committee, at its first meeting on Monday, had found enough "prima facie" evidence to justify an inquiry against the political science teacher. At least four students, all of them male, have submitted written complaints to the CCC, alleging that Ray sexually abused them on a number of occasions and even threatened to ruin their careers if they refused to give in.

"Complying with Ordinance XVD of the University rules, we have set up a five-member sub-committee to look into the matter. Meanwhile, as per the rules, we have taken disciplinary action against Ray by suspending him for a period of time till the investigation is over," said CCC chairperson Madhumita Banerjee. The sub-committee comprises two teachers, two students and a lawyer, who is an external co-opted member.

Banerjee clarified that Ray has been suspended from all three posts he held in the college, that of "vice-principal, admissions convener and reader in political science". The sub-committee will meet on Friday and formally frame charges against Ray and he will be given five days to respond to the same.

"The sub-committee will submit this report to the main committee, which is required to submit the report to the university apex committee within a month from the day the complaint was received," added Banerjee.

It was last week that over a dozen students at Ramjas spoke out against Ray before a packed college auditorium, accusing him of misusing his position and seeking sexual favours from them.