Kohima: Sarat Chandra Yenisetti, a Zoology professor at Nagaland University, Lumami, has been accused of physically assaulting a female assistant professor.
The Naga Students’ Federation, Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF) and Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) have condemned the alleged assault and demanded immediate termination of the professor.
“It has come to light that on November 25, 2024, during official working hours, Professor Yenisetti was involved in an appalling incident where he verbally abused a group of postgraduate students using highly offensive and degrading language. In addition, he physically assaulted a female Assistant Professor from the same department. Such conduct is a direct violation of institutional values and ethics, as well as a grave affront to human dignity and professional standards,” the NSF said.
The NSF demanded his termination from service within three days.
NURSF convenor Teisozelhou Beio and information secretary Tajensangla Jamir also issued a statement, expressing outrage over what they termed as the “appalling and disgraceful” misconduct of the professor.
The scholars alleged that during official hours on Monday, Prof Yenisetti verbally abused a group of master’s students with derogatory language and physically assaulted and manhandled a female assistant professor form the same department.
The forum described the incident as a gross violation of institutional norms and professional ethics, deeply tarnishing the university’s reputation. NURSF asserted that the behavior of Prof. Yenisetti reflects a pattern of unethical conduct that undermines the principles of academic integrity, respect, and safety.
“The Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum is committed to ensuring that our academic environment is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all,” the statement read, urging the university administration to immediately terminate the professor.
In a separate statement, LSU president Lirhonthung E. Kithan and education and statistical secretary Nyanthung M. Khuvung described the incident as a grave violation of professional ethics and academic standards.
They identified the assistant professor as Dr Lobeno Mozhui. The LSU labeled the act as a betrayal of trust and an alarming reflection of escalating violence within academic institutions.
The union further alleged that the incident is part of a recurring pattern of intimidation and abuse by Prof. Yenisetti, creating a hostile environment within the department and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of students and faculty.
Condemning the actions in the strongest terms, LSU demanded the immediate termination of Prof. Yenisetti’s employment, stating that his continued presence poses a significant threat to the university community.
The union warned that failure to act within four days would compel them to pursue legal recourse to ensure justice and a safe academic environment.
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