Ahmedabad: Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has terminated the employment of Professor S D Panchal, director of the School of Engineering and Technology, after an internal inquiry confirmed allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Registrar K N Kher told TOI that Panchal was dismissed on Wednesday following the Internal Inquiry Committee (ICC) report.”The termination is based on the ICC findings, which proved him guilty, and after considering his arguments,” Kher said.
The case surfaced around five months ago when a female faculty member filed a formal complaint, supported by evidence, detailing persistent harassment that began during her PhD under Panchal’s supervision and continued after she joined GTU as a faculty member.
The ICC conducted a detailed investigation, gathering testimonies from faculty and staff. Panchal, who was temporarily transferred to GPERI, was given an opportunity to present his defence, but the committee found the allegations credible despite his explanations.
It submitted the findings to the university’s Board of Management. Based on this, GTU officially decided to terminate Panchal’s employment, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.
Panchal previously held senior positions such as acting vice-chancellor, BOG member, academic council member and varsity registrar. The complainant alleged that he would send her messages daily, including those on Telegram, urging her to meet at a hotel to discuss her PhD.
Her complaint outlined how Panchal exploited his authority, frequently visiting her cabin when she was alone, attempting to gain her trust by expressing feelings of isolation and even suicidal thoughts. She initially remained silent due to fear of repercussions on her PhD progress.
She alleged that during the final stages of her research, Panchal escalated his harassment, even claiming that his influence with the VC would prevent authorities from taking action. In 2022, after she firmly rejected his advances, his behaviour, allegedly, took a drastic turn. She claimed that he began stalking, blackmailing, and threatening her career. She also alleged that he attempted to arrange a compromise through another female staff member.
On Dec 16, 2022, Panchal allegedly sent her a message about meeting at a hotel for her PhD, followed by an onslaught of 10 to 25 messages daily, causing her severe mental distress.
GTU prof dismissed for sexually harassing colleague | Ahmedabad News
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