A case has been filed against the director and seven professors at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) for allegedly discriminating against a Dalit associate professor, Gopal Das, based on his caste, police confirmed on Saturday.
Police officials noted that those named in the FIR claimed to have obtained a court stay the same evening, although the authorities have yet to receive the order.
"We received the complaint and filed a case. However, those named in the FIR claimed that they obtained a stay order from the court the same evening. But we are yet to receive the order," a senior officer said.
Following an investigation by the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), the Social Welfare Department instructed the state police chief to initiate legal action based on Das's complaint.
Das, an associate professor at IIMB, alleged that eight individuals intentionally revealed and publicized his caste within the workplace, denied him equal opportunities, and subjected him to mental harassment and threats.
In its response, IIMB stated that instead of facing discrimination, Das had received considerable support from the institute since joining in 2018. The institute clarified that although Das had applied for the Assistant Professor role, he was offered the position of Associate Professor based on his qualifications and experience. IIMB also stated that Das had received various incentives for his research and teaching, alongside his salary as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. Additionally, he had been entrusted with several positions of responsibility, such as Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board and Member of the Career Development Services Committee.
"He has taught courses of his choice across different academic programmes of the Institute", the institute also noted.
IIMB further clarified that Das' discrimination allegations emerged only after his promotion application was put on hold due to harassment complaints filed against him by some doctoral students. An inquiry conducted by the institute, involving an academic from the SC category, found that the students' complaints were valid.
"An enquiry conducted by IIMB as per the rules, with the committee including a reputed academic from the SC category from an eminent institution, found that the students’ complaints were justified," noted the IIMB.
The institute reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment and vowed to take appropriate action, in consultation with legal experts, to uphold its legacy of excellence and integrity.
(With inputs from agencies)
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