OU woman professor files FIR against faculty member for vulgar behaviour

Hyderabad: A senior woman professor from the genetics and biochemistry department of Osmania University's Science College is awaiting justice for over a month after a nightmarish encounter with Dr Raju Padia, a faculty member.
The incident, detailed in a letter to the registrar and vice-chancellor, unfolded on October 27, during a meeting to discuss 'DBT Builder project' interviews.

Dr Padia allegedly adopted a harsh tone and made obscene allegations, insinuating the woman professor's improprieties. The intervention of other committee members diffused the tension.

Subsequently, the woman professor was told that Dr Padia had influenced an external expert not to sign the interview minutes, casting doubts on the integrity of the interview process.

According to the letter, this incident was not an isolated one, as she had encountered Padia's unruly behaviour months earlier, also.

"Previous complaints by the department faculty highlighted his history of using derogatory remarks towards women," she wrote and named at least four eyewitnesses in the letter.

Seeking justice, the professor appealed for the constitution of a committee to investigate the matter. However, her efforts were in vain as there has been no inquiry till date.

Meanwhile, Dr Padia allegedly made repeated attempts to tarnish the professor's image and career, causing significant mental stress. Seven Right to Information (RTI) applications were filed against her on November 14, answers to which were already available on the internet.

The professor, who held various positions and has built her profile over a decade, accused Dr. Padia of attempting to undermine her success, possibly due to her being the first woman appointed as a coordinator for a university project in the science college.

As threats escalated, and in the absence of internal inquiry, the professor filed an FIR at the OU police station on November 17.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, vice-chancellor Dr D. Ravinder stated that an internal committee has just been constituted and the inquiry would begin soon.

"There are about three different cases that the committee will investigate, this is one of them," he said.

OU police told Deccan Chronicle that they are in the process of collecting evidence and based on the finding, they will proceed with the case.
Meanwhile, Dr. Padia refused to comment on the issue when contacted.