ABVP led DUSU and ABVP activists, today locked the office of the Dean and Joint Dean of Student’s Welfare, demanding the immediate dismissal and a police investigation of Professor Dhaniram, who has been accused of sexual harassment and exploitation of a minor student. ABVP activists are staging a sit in protest outside the DSW office, pressing for action against Dhaniram.
Almost a month ago, a minor student of Ramjas College lodged a complaint against Professor Dhaniram to the Internal Complaints Committee for sexual harassment and misconduct. Despite the complaint, no action was taken and Dhaniram attempted to supress the matter. On December 24, ABVP Ramjas College unit protested demanding suspension of the professor. Following this, a delegation of ABVP led DUSU met with the DCP north urging immediate action. ABVP-led DUSU office-bearers Vice-President Bhanu Pratap Singh and Secretary Mitravinda Karnwal, submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, demanding Dhaniram’s suspension from all administrative positions and a swift investigation. When no action was taken even after 10 days and Dhaniram continued to roam around freely, flaunting his influence, ABVP took the decision to lock his office as a demand for his suspension. As ABVP activists were leaving from Ramjas college to join the protest, a left wing Professor, Devraj Mukherjee, a friend of Dhaniram attempted to stop and discourage them from protesting. When students resisted his attempts, he slapped one of the students and also threatened to ruin their careers. Despite this failed attempt, ABVP activitsts proceeded to the DSW office and locked it.
ABVP Ramjas College Unit President, Sanjana Tyagi stated, “While we were heading for the protest, Professor Devraj Mukherjee tried to stop us, citing his friendship with Dhaniram. He even made an attempt disrupt the protest by involving external goons and intimidating the students. However, we want to make it very clear to Dhaniram and Delhi University Administration that will not stop until justice is served”
DUSU Secretary, Mitravinda Karnwal stated, “Despite repeatedly raising the issue with Ramjas administration and Delhi University officials, no action has been taken against Dhaniram. He continues to roam freely around the campus. Today, we were compelled to lock the Dean’s office. DUSU will continue its protest until Dhaniram is dismissed from his joint Deanship.”
ABVP Delhi State Secretary, Harsh Attri stated, “ABVP has been fighting relentlessly from the past one month to get justice for the victim. However an influential group of leftist professors is working towards shielding Dhaniram and supress the issue. ABVP will continue its fight till every wrongdoer is punished”.