Bengaluru, October 10, 2025 – A wave of outrage swept through the campus of Christ University, one of Bengaluru's premier institutions, today as hundreds of students staged a vigorous protest against a senior professor accused of sexual harassment. Demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting slogans like "Justice for Survivors" and "End the Silence," gathered outside the administrative block, demanding the immediate suspension and termination of the accused faculty member, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, pending a thorough investigation.
The protests, which began around 11 AM and continued into the evening, were triggered by a complaint filed by a 21-year-old female postgraduate student last week. According to the complainant, who spoke anonymously to reporters, the incidents occurred over several months during private mentoring sessions in the Department of Psychology. "He used his position to make inappropriate advances, sending explicit messages and cornering me in his office. When I resisted, he threatened my grades and future recommendations," she alleged in a statement shared via student WhatsApp groups that quickly went viral on social media.
The university administration, caught off guard by the scale of the unrest, issued a terse statement acknowledging the complaint and assuring an internal inquiry under the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. However, students dismissed the response as inadequate, pointing to past instances where similar allegations against faculty were allegedly swept under the rug. "We've seen this before – endless committees and no accountability. We want him out now, not after he harasses more students," said Priya Sharma, a final-year undergraduate and one of the protest coordinators.
By midday, the demonstration had swelled to over 500 participants, including alumni and faculty allies, blocking key pathways on the sprawling Bannerghatta Road campus. Police were deployed in riot gear to maintain order, but the event remained largely peaceful, with organizers ensuring no disruption to classes elsewhere. Chants of "Shame on You" echoed as Vice-Chancellor Dr. Fr. Thomas C. Mathew addressed the crowd from a balcony, promising "zero tolerance" and an external probe if needed. "We take these matters with utmost seriousness. The accused has been relieved of duties with immediate effect," he announced, a concession that partially quelled the fervor but did little to satisfy calls for outright dismissal.
The scandal has ignited broader conversations about campus safety in Bengaluru's higher education ecosystem, where high-profile institutions like Christ University – known for its rigorous academics and diverse student body of over 20,000 – face mounting scrutiny. Activists from groups like the Blank Noise Project and #MeTooIndia have rallied online, trending #JusticeAtChrist on X (formerly Twitter) with thousands of posts sharing personal stories of institutional complicity. "This isn't isolated; it's systemic. Private colleges prioritize reputation over reform," tweeted feminist writer and lawyer Flavia Agnes, amplifying the cause.
Dr. Kumar, 52, a tenured professor with over two decades at the institution and publications in behavioral psychology, could not be reached for comment. Colleagues described him as a "respected mentor" but admitted whispers of his "overly familiar" demeanor had circulated informally. The student's formal complaint, lodged on October 4 with the university's women's cell, detailed text messages and witness accounts from two other students who claimed similar experiences but feared reprisal.
As the sun set, protesters dispersed after a sit-in, vowing to escalate if the administration drags its feet. Student unions across Bengaluru, including those at St. Joseph's College and Mount Carmel College, expressed solidarity, planning a joint memorandum to the Karnataka Higher Education Department. State Women's Commission chairperson Dr. Nagasima R. Nagamohan has also taken suo motu cognizance, demanding a report within 48 hours.
This incident underscores the persistent challenge of addressing gender-based violence in academia, where power imbalances often silence victims. With the academic year in full swing, the coming days will test Christ University's commitment to reform – and whether student voices can finally drive meaningful change. Updates on the investigation are expected soon.
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