FIR against UGC official over sexual harassment

New Delhi: In a shocking case of alleged sexual harassment in University Grants Commission, an FIR has been filed against deputy secretary AK Khanduri who also happens to be a member of the complaints committee on sexual harassment of the organization.

A senior Delhi Police officer told TOI, "An FIR was registered immediately after a complaint was received and investigation is being done. Soon both the parties will be called." The complainant, not a permanent employee of UGC, has alleged that Khanduri has been making sexual overtures to her for the past few months besides trying to allure her with gifts and other things. On his part, Khanduri said, "I do not know what the complainant said but police did speak to me on Wednesday. This is an occupational hazard if you work in the administrative wing of the organization." Khanduri said he had met the woman only once.

While UGC brass did not respond to repeated queries from TOI, vice-chairperson H Devaraj said he has only heard about it. UGC Secretary JS Sandhu did not take phone calls nor did he reply to text messages. UGC chairperson Ved Prakash is abroad.

Sources said the UGC administration is putting "immense pressure" on the complainant to withdraw the case. "She has also written to the President and PM," an official said.