Thane: Complaint to be filed against professor for molesting female staff, students

Thane Municipal Commissioner Aseem Gupta directed the civic administration on Monday, to file a criminal complaint against the professor of the Civic Medical College at Kalwa for alleged molestation of female staff and students, civic sources said.

Ten days ago, around 35 women complained to the Thane Civic Commissioner, the Police Commissioner and the dean of the hospital about the alleged misdeeds of Saileshwar Natarajan. The corporation ordered an enquiry and statements of some of those affected were recorded, though no offence was registered against the professor.

However, Leader of the House Naresh Mhaske and Leader of Opposition Hanumant Jagdale raised a hue and cry over the delay.

Congress corporator Sanjay Gadigaonkar barged into the commissioner's cabin where the dean C Maitra was also present and pulled her up as well as the civic chief for delay in action. The civic commissioner ordered registration of a complaint and the professor has been suspended.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra medical education minister Jitendra Awhad expressed his displeasure over the delay and the police not registering the offence suo moto.