PhD Scholar Accuses Professor of Exploitation in Agra

Agra: A 30-year-old PhD scholar has filed a police complaint against a university professor in Agra, accusing him of sexually exploiting her for nearly two years under the false promise of marriage, officials said.

According to the police, the scholar stated that she developed a relationship with the professor during academic interactions. She alleged that the professor assured her of marriage and, on that basis, maintained physical relations with her over an extended period. When she later insisted on marriage, the accused allegedly threatened to defame her and harm her academic career, including failing her in her PhD programme.

Based on her complaint, the Agra police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 69 (physical relations on a false promise of marriage), Section 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), and Section 351 (criminal intimidation).

The complainant also alleged that on a recent occasion, the professor assaulted her on the university campus, attempted to destroy evidence by snatching her mobile phone, and issued threats to her life. The police stated that the woman has submitted supporting material, and her statement is to be recorded before a magistrate as part of the investigation.

Following the complaint, the university administration has initiated an internal inquiry under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The institution has also been informed about the case and is expected to take departmental action as per its internal rules.

Police officials said that an investigation is underway and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.