Stephen's molestation: Victim 'denied' access to lab, college alleges vandalism attempt

New Delhi, July 16: The St Stephen's research scholar who was allegedly molested by a college professor, on Thursday said that she was denied access to the laboratory, even as the college principal termed it "as a constructive controversy" and "vandalism attempt".

The victim also alleged that she was denied payment of her stripend and when she forcefully tried to enter the laboratory where she was conducting her research, she was locked by an attendant following which she had to call the police.

The college authority meanwhile has approached the police alleging vandalism and attempts to trespass the campus by students accompanying her.

"There has been a regrettable act of vandalism and trespass in the college premises. The Delhi police is currently investigating the matter," College spokesperson Karen Gabriel said.

While police officials confirmed of having received the call and visiting the campus but denied that the laboratory was found locked. "Today when I went to the college to inquire about the release of my stipend, I was told by the concerned official in the college office that since Satish Kumar (her PhD supervisor) has not given his approval, the stipend could not be released," the victim alleged.

"Further, when I tried to enter the laboratory the attendant refused to let me in after checking with Kumar over phone. "I somehow forcefully entered but the attendant locked me from outside following which I called the police," she added.

Meanwhile, principal termed it as a constructive controversy

She was accompanied by Devansh Mehta, the philosophy student who had taken the principal Valson Thampu to court after he had suspended him for publishing an e-zine without seeking clearance on its content.

Responding to the allegations, Thampu told PTI, "This is another constructed controversy. I had personally handed over the stipend cheque to her in December, the cheque in question today is for the next six months, which has not been issued as the documents need her PhD guide's signature and he is not available as I had "advised" him not to visit the college".

PTI