Sexual harassment case slapped against third professor of univ's physical edu dept

A 40-year-old woman, pursuing a post-graduation degree in physical education at Mumbai university, has accused her professor, Manohar Mane, of sexual harassment. She said he barged into her room and undressed in her presence.

Mane refused comment. “I don’t want to say anything,” he said.

The alleged incident happened in Patiala, Punjab in January this year when five people, including the woman and Mane, were attending a conference.

However, she said a police complaint was lodged only on July 15 — four days after complaining to the university’s women’s development cell. The delay, she said, was out of fear that Mane could manipulate her exam result.

Almost a month after the complaint, the university is yet to initiate action.

She told dna: “When he entered the room, I was too dumbfounded. But when he started undressing, I ran out and asked a guest house staffer to arrange for another room for him.” She claimed Mane has been threatening her and her husband over phone.

Vice-chancellor Rajan Welukar said he could check about the case only on Monday. Other such cases in the same department, he said are being dealt with by the women’s cell. Prahar, a student-welfare organisation, has demanded Mane’s suspension.