Internal body probing allegations of molestation by guest teacher: NSD

A statement by the national School of Drama said the institute took cognizance of the verbal allegation and immediately formed a fact finding committee on July 3.

A day after reports that a retired associate professor of National School of Drama allegedly molested an aspiring NSD student, the institute said on Sunday that it had formed a fact finding committee on the day they learnt of the incident. The Internal Complaints Committee is enquiring into the matter expeditiously, the NSD said.

An aspiring NSD student has alleged that she was molested by a guest teacher of NSD during the selection process. (HT Photo)

In a statement, the NSD said that the final workshop, a part of the selection process for applicants appearing for the post graduation diploma course for the academic year 2018-2020, was conducted between July 2 and July 6 last month.

“As a part of the workshop, non-credited master classes on body movement was taken by one of the retired teachers as an external expert. The complainant, one of the candidates, who attended the workshop on body movement in a group of 21 candidates on July 2, alleged certain acts of physical harassment by the external expert,” the NSD said.

It said that the NSD took cognizance of the verbal allegation and immediately formed a fact finding committee on July 3. “The complainant submitted a written complaint on July 3. Thereafter, the matter was referred to duly constitute an internal complaints committee of National School of Drama. The ICC is enquiring into the matter expeditiously. It is yet to submit the final report for further necessary action,” the NSD said.

Police have registered a case of molestation and are yet to make any arrests.