New Tehri. A complaint has surfaced alleging that a faculty member of the Shri Raghunath Kirti Campus of Central Sanskrit University in Devprayag, Tehri district, engaged in inappropriate behaviour and molestation with two female students – one a minor and the other an adult.
Following a formal grievance lodged by the campus administration, the Bah Bazaar police filed an FIR against Dr. Suryamani Bhandari, the accused teacher, invoking relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The incident is reported to have occurred on August 22. The institution’s in‑charge submitted a written complaint on September 21, detailing the alleged misconduct. The university has concurrently opened its own internal inquiry.
Police Launch Probe
After the FIR was registered, investigators began gathering statements and forensic evidence. SSI Anita Negi, the assigned investigation officer, affirmed that the case is being examined impartially, based solely on the material evidence and facts at hand.
Negi added that certain provisions of the POCSO Act prescribe a maximum imprisonment of less than seven years, so the police are adhering to the statutory arrest procedures applicable to those sections.
Station House Officer Inspector Amarjeet confirmed that the campus director provided a written account of alleged unwanted physical contact between the teacher and the two students. Authorities are scrutinising every facet of the allegation and cross‑checking the supporting documentation.
Teacher Suspended Pending Inquiry
Given the gravity of the accusations, the university administration has immediately suspended Dr. Suryamani Bhandari until the conclusion of the investigation.
Institution Director P. B. V. Subramanyam disclosed that the professor has been relocated to the campus guest house to prevent any interference with the ongoing probe. The university’s internal committee will also conduct a parallel investigation.
