Gujarat University professor accused of sexual harassment: disciplinary proceedings initiated | Ahmedabad News

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has started disciplinary procedures in return for Prof. S.D. Panchala former university official, accused of sexually harassing a female faculty member at the School of Engineering and Technology.
GTU finally issued a show-cause notice to Panchal on Wednesday, four months after the complaint was filed. In its report submitted earlier this month, the investigative committee had found “prima facie evidence in support of the allegations requiring further investigation”, GTU sources said.
According to the complaint, the pattern of alleged inappropriate behavior began during the woman’s doctoral studies. The professor would send her text messages every day on social media apps such as Telegram, suggesting sexual favors in exchange for her help in completing her doctorate. According to an excerpt from the complaint filed on July 25 “…he repeatedly intimidated me, conveying a sense of power and certainty that the VC would follow his instructions”.
He would often participate in work meetings while trying to build trust through personal conversations, claiming he was lonely and harboring suicidal thoughts.
Panchal is also said to have asked the complainant to visit his office every day, failing which he would “insist through phone calls” or “ask someone else” to convey the same to her.
At one point she was receiving 10 to 25 messages a day, the complainant claims.
The situation is said to have escalated in March 2022 when the complainant experienced retaliatory behavior after Panchal made explicit advances.
“He tried to sexually intimidate me, but I resolutely evaded these attempts and refused to give in to him. This led to a complete change in his attitude. He had a completely different personality. His behavior was very rude,” the complaint said.
On December 16, 2022, Panchal allegedly sent her a text message hinting at an inappropriate quid pro quo: “Maybe you should also go to a hotel for promotion.” Panchal is also accused of blackmailing and stalking her, in addition to threatening to ruin her career.
The complaint also alleges that the woman’s brother was threatened and asked to keep the matter private. Panchal also allegedly asked a woman staffer to call the complainant to reach a compromise in the case.