A guest professor accused of molesting several female students during the annual event of a South Mumbai college has applied for anticipatory bail, claiming that the allegations may stem from a misunderstanding or personal hostility.
During the hearing on Thursday, the police objected to his request before the sessions court, stressing that the offence involved serious misconduct against women. The investigating team also cautioned that the accused and the complainants belong to different communities, raising concerns that the matter could potentially trigger communal tension.
The court is expected to announce its decision on the pre-arrest bail application on December 19.
According to the FIR lodged at Azad Maidan police station, the professor had been invited as a guest lecturer for the college’s annual function on November 24. He allegedly behaved inappropriately with nine female student volunteers by touching them without consent.
Investigators added that the professor also acted improperly with a retired female faculty member and took selfies with some students without obtaining permission.
Following a formal complaint by the college principal, police filed a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections dealing with assault or use of criminal force with the intent to outrage the modesty of a woman.
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