Should Associate Professor Ashwin Hebbar Be Arrested for Sexual Harassment?
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Synopsis
In a significant protest, medical students at SIMS are demanding the arrest of associate professor Ashwin Hebbar over serious allegations of sexual harassment. The case has raised concerns about safety and accountability in educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Students are demanding justice and accountability.
- Protests reflect concerns over campus safety.
- Previous allegations against the accused raise serious questions.
- Institutional responses will be critical in addressing these issues.
- Legal proceedings are ongoing and under scrutiny.
Shivamogga (Karnataka), June 25 (NationPress) The medical students of the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) organized a protest on campus on Wednesday, demanding the swift arrest of associate professor Ashwin Hebbar, who is implicated in a sexual harassment case.
After an FIR was filed and an investigation initiated by the college management, the accused professor has reportedly gone into hiding.
Students donned black badges and conducted a silent protest to voice their anger.
The troubling incident occurred on June 14, when a female second-year postgraduate student from the Department of Surgery was allegedly harassed by Hebbar during a work-related social event.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the professor has not faced suspension.
The protesting students asserted that every individual deserves to learn in an environment that is respectful, safe, and free from fear.
"We demand immediate action to ensure such incidents do not happen again," they stated.
In light of the recent events, the students issued a statement detailing that a complaint was filed with the college administration and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on June 19. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged at the women’s police station on June 20. Since then, the accused has been reportedly evading authorities.
The SIMS administration formally reported the incident to the Department of Medical Education and the Principal Secretary of the Medical Department on June 24.
The students further claimed that this isn't the first allegation against Hebbar. In 2022, he was accused of harassing an intern in the Outpatient Department (OPD), with a complaint filed with the ICC and an FIR registered; this case is currently under a stay by the High Court.
Meanwhile, the Shivamogga District Lawyers' Guild has also called for the immediate arrest of the accused.
The FIR has been filed under Section 75 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, against the professor.
According to the FIR, the complainant took time to report the incident, initially confiding in friends and family to cope with the trauma.
The incident occurred at a hotel during a gathering celebrating thesis submissions, attended by several faculty members.
During the event, the accused allegedly requested the victim to sit next to him. After some starters, he reportedly placed his hand on her thigh. Despite her request for him to remove it, he allegedly persisted, eventually holding her hands and continuing the unwanted contact for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
The victim felt humiliated and was unable to share the experience initially; even a professor noticed her distress.
After returning to her hostel, she confided in friends and, three days later, informed her father.
On June 19, she lodged a complaint with the head of the department, Mohammad Arif, and subsequently with the ICC, as documented in the FIR.
In her statement to the police, the victim urged action against Ashwin Hebbar, highlighting his previous allegations of sexual harassment.
"Ashwin Hebbar is a habitual offender who harasses women. No one else should endure such trauma," she stated.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the concerns raised by students regarding safety in educational institutions. Their demand for accountability reflects a growing awareness and intolerance towards harassment, urging authorities to take prompt action.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the background of the Ashwin Hebbar case?
Associate professor Ashwin Hebbar is accused of sexually harassing a postgraduate student during a social gathering, prompting students to demand his arrest.
What actions have the students taken?
Students held a protest on campus and filed complaints with the college administration and the Internal Complaints Committee.
What legal actions have been taken against Hebbar?
An FIR has been filed against him under multiple legal provisions, but he remains unarrested.
Are there previous allegations against Ashwin Hebbar?
Yes, in 2022, he faced similar allegations from an intern, which are still under judicial review.
What do the students want from the administration?
They are demanding immediate action to ensure a safe learning environment and appropriate punishment for the accused.
