The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has placed on forced leave an assistant professor who was accused of assaulting and harassing a PhDstudent.
“IIT Ropar is fully aware of an incident reported by a PhD scholar. The Institute acted within 24 hours—ICC proceedings have begun, interim relief has been provided, and the concerned faculty member has been placed on forced leave,” the institute said in a statement shared on social media this morning.
The accusations
A first-year PhD scholar at IIT Ropar took to social media on Saturday to accuse her supervisor of physical assault and intimidation.
The student claimed that the faculty member punched her in the eye after she refused to comply with his demands. In her post, she claimed that the faculty member wanted her to accompany him to Japan under the pretext of a research tour.
When she refused, he threatened to expel her from the doctoral programme. The PhD student further claimed that he installed two cameras in the laboratory without authorisation to “create false evidence” against her.
She said that the assistant professor then barred her from entering the laboratory so she could retrieve her mobile phone, which apparently contained evidence against him.
IIT Ropar’s statement
IIT Ropar shared a statement on social media this morning. Read it below:
{{/usCountry}}IIT Ropar shared a statement on social media this morning. Read it below:
{{/usCountry}}IIT Ropar is committed to maintaining a #safe, #respectful, and #supportive campus for every member of our community. We are aware of the recent incident reported by a PhD research scholar, and the Institute has acted promptly and responsibly.
Within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) initiated proceedings, and immediate interim relief was provided to ensure the scholar’s safety, dignity, and academic continuity, on April 30, 2026.
The concerned faculty member has been placed on forced leave, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the scholar faces no disruption or pressure of any kind.
As required by law, the matter has also been reported to the local police, and IIT Ropar is fully cooperating with the authorities. The well‑being of the scholar remains our priority, and medical as well as counselling support is being extended to scholar on the very same day.
IIT Ropar stands firm in its commitment to a non‑hostile, inclusive, and transparent environment. The inquiry is underway, and the Institute will continue to follow due process with seriousness and integrity.
We request everyone to respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals involved as the process moves forward.
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