Kashmir varsity removes associate professor after students protest over ‘be my date’ remarks

Amid protests by students, an Associate Professor of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) was relieved from the official positions over the allegations of passing “lewd remarks against female students”.

Scores of female students on Thursday (October 1, 2026) assembled on the campus in the varsity in Ganderbal district and accused the professor of “repeatedly passing lewd remarks against female students in the classroom”.

“The professor crossed the limit this week when he passed comment on the physical appearance of a female student and asked her to be his date. He warned the student of action in case she lodges any complaint,” said a protesting student.

CUK registrar Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir said the accused has been relieved of all departmental and official assignments with immediate effect, including the Head of the Department of Chemistry.

“In case of any sexual harassment established, an action will be taken accordingly,” said Mr. Mir. 

The accused has been identified as Dr. Chinnappan Bhaskar, an Associate Professor who heads of the Department of Chemistry. As part of the interim administrative arrangement, the university has nominated Dr. Prashant Kumar Gupta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, as the Coordinator of the department until further orders.

The order said, “The attachment of Dr. Bhaskar and his relief from departmental responsibilities will remain in force pending further orders from the competent authority”.

The CUK has set up two separate inquiries, one by the Internal Committee and another by a special inquiry committee “on the instructions of the Vice Chancellor to look into the matter. It has asked the students to depose before the Internal Committee in case of facing any such harassment.