Women’s Panel Summons PJTAU VC Over Harassment Complaint

The Telangana State Commission for Women has summoned Professor Jayashankar

Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) vice-chancellor Alidas Janaiah for

an inquiry on November 12 following a complaint of sexual harassment and

intimidation by an assistant professor at the university.

In a notice dated November 7, the commission directed Janaiah to appear in

person at its Hyderabad office at 12.30 pm on Thursday. The complaint was

filed by Musini Teja Shree, an assistant professor at PJTAU, on Saturday.

The summons follows allegations made by Teja Shree at a press conference at

the Hyderabad Press Club on Saturday. She alleged that the harassment began

when she approached the Vice-Chancellor seeking an extension to complete her

PhD in Microbiology.

She also accused him of making inappropriate personal remarks and pressuring

her to leave her husband, who works abroad.

Teja Shree alleged that she was subsequently transferred to Nizamabad after

refusing his advances. She said she had earlier approached the Telangana

Director General of Police and the Women Safety Wing but had received no

relief.

The allegations have also triggered protests by university faculty and

students. Her colleagues have expressed support for her and questioned the

university's handling of the matter.