Are sexual harassment victims ‘silenced’ at Tripura University?

In 2017, in what sparked the #MeToo movement in India, the List of Sexual Harassers in Academia (LoSHA) brought out names of 75 academics called out on grounds of sexual assault. The list, which included established and upcoming academics from across India, caused much outrage: some expressed shock, others called out the need for “due process”.

But it does not take Sherlock Holmes-levels of detective work to realise that little came out of it. Most of the academics on the list continued to teach, and the movement died a slow, painful death. 

Harassment in academic institutions continued, but the right question would be: What happens to an academic accused of such despicable behaviour? Well, the first thing that happens is they often go on an ‘extended leave’. 

Take Tripura University, for example. 

After one student shared instances of verbal and sexual harassment they allegedly experienced at the Tripura Central University, another student stepped up, also identifying as a victim. 

The subject line of an email, a copy of which is with EastMojo, addressed to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Tripura University reads, “Harassment complaint against Dr. Jayanta, HoD…”. 

The email, sent by a student, details the student’s continuous harassment by Dr Jayanta Choudhary, the Head of the Department of the Department of Rural Studies. According to the complaint letter, the student initially filed a complaint due to the harassment she endured. However, she alleges that this complaint led to further harassment from Dr. Choudhary, who threatened her PhD studies and stipulated that her fellowship bill would be approved only if she complied with his demands. 

“You were harassed? Bring witnesses, prove your claim”

The letter describes how the student felt uncomfortable in the Head of Department’s office. She writes, “In the HoD room he pressured me in such a way that is very uncomfortable for a woman student.” Furthermore, the letter mentions an incident of physical harassment involving a fellow student and the same professor during January-February 2019. The professor was accused of inviting the student to a room in the Tripura University Guest house during a program and attempting to sexually harass her.

Concerned that the victim might have been coerced into silence, the student expressed apprehension about Dr Choudhary’s “pressuring techniques,” fearing she might be manipulated into remaining silent.

In the letter, the student conveys her initial pride and happiness upon joining the University, especially given her background coming from a village, yet she expresses, “meeting with such a person is demoralising from the core of my heart.” In the closing remarks of the letter, the student expressed hope that the authorities would take the matter seriously and ensure justice.

EastMojo tried to reach out to the survivor, but she was unsure and eventually said she would be unavailable for comments. However, a close associate of the student confirmed that the complaint had indeed been sent. The complaint was dated December 3, 2022, and the student was summoned to appear before the Internal Complaints Committee on December 14, 2022, according to a document acquired by EastMojo.

EastMojo reached out to Munnendra Mishra, Convenor of the Internal Complaint Committee at Tripura University for comments. However, he declined to provide any information, stating, “I am not authorised to divulge anything to the media. I would not be able to help you with any information. It would be better if you contact someone who is authorised to speak to the media.”

Thankfully, other University officials were more forthcoming, albeit anonymously, which again shows how much power is wielded by those accused of harassment. 

A top official at the University informed EastMojo that the matter had been resolved, stating, “As soon as the complaint was filed, a committee was formed, incorporating members of the Tripura Commission for Women, Tripura University, and other organisations working for women’s safety in workplaces.”

The source added that the victim could not provide sufficient evidence during the case hearings. “During the hearing of the case, the victim failed to substantiate the charges levelled against the professor with enough concrete evidence. The committee also summoned witnesses named in connection with the complaint but no one turned up for that. After the matter was closed, a warning was issued to the accused professor. He had been directed to behave properly with the researchers working under him. He had also been asked to be careful while dealing with women co-workers in future to avoid stringent punitive measures,” he said. 

However, the close associate of the student complainant contradicted this claim, stating that the issue had not been resolved despite assertions by the anonymous source.

“Not the first victim, not the first perpetrator”

Regrettably, this is not an isolated case of harassment at the university. EastMojo also spoke to a second alleged victim, another student at Tripura University, who opted to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety. The student claimed to have faced harassment from two to three teachers and alleged that the Internal Complaint Committee not only dismissed her account but also refused to accept audio evidence she had recorded. She believed that the committee was unwilling to acknowledge the veracity of her claims.

The student said that the committee often rejected the complaints made by students as they wanted to support their friends (the professors). “They always misbehave with us if we want to go give our complaint that we feel abused,” she said.

The student shared an instance of verbal harassment in a classroom where a teacher made inappropriate remarks and accused her of going to a hotel with a male friend. The teacher reportedly said, “If you want, I can help you with this matter. If you’re hungry and want to engage in sexual activity, I can assist you, so don’t go with him.”

While she hesitated to reveal further details of the sexual harassment she faced, citing concerns for her safety, she recounted an incident involving a professor who allegedly attempted to seduce her. When she approached the complaints committee, her complaint was deemed false, and no investigation was initiated.

Earlier in June 2023, allegations of sexual harassment were raised against Assistant Professor Dr. Bhupesh Debbarma from the Department of Philosophy at Tripura Central University. A case was registered against Dr Debbarma for allegedly making inappropriate comments and sexually harassing a student during viva exams. The incident came to light during a viva voce examination conducted by Dr. Debbarma, during which he allegedly discussed inappropriate and private topics, leading to the student’s distress and hospitalisation.

Dr Debbarma was subsequently placed on “long leave” by Tripura Central University authorities. An official order from the university cited that the Internal Complaints Committee had initiated proceedings following UGC regulations and recommended his leave in the interest of an impartial inquiry.

An order copy from Tripura Central University reads, “The University authority has referred this complaint to the Internal Complaints Committee of the University to enquire into the said complaint. The said Committee has initiated its proceedings and under section 9 (e), (d) of the UGC (Prevention and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015 recommends in the interest of impartial enquiry into the complaint, the University authority directs Dr Bhupesh Debbarma, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Tripura University to proceed on leave with immediate effect until further order.”

Dr Debbarama remains on ‘leave’. As for any formal charges? Unlikely. 

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