Weeks after the sexual harassment issue hit the headlines, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang decided to speak out loud and clear.

In a clear rebuff to the state government, the V-C said: “We have written to the state government stating we have a very competent committee which is looking into the issue and that there is no need for a third-party inquiry into the matter.”

It was the Financial Commissioner Development who had asked the university to handover the inquiry to a third party “as the accused had no faith in the inquiry committee”.

Putting to rest the recent attempt of the alleged accused Dr Dulcha Singh Brar, Director Students Welfare (DSW), to garner support from the members of the Board of Management (BoM) and bring the inquiry out of the university, Dr Kang remarked: “The BoM comes into action only when we take an inquiry or issue to them. Till we do not do that, the BoM cannot interfere. Moreover, one should not forget that in capacity of the PAU V-C, I am the chairman of the BoM.”

When asked as to when the final verdict will be out on the issue, the vice-chancellor said: “The committee has already met four times, even on Wednesday. It will announce the verdict very soon.”

Commenting on the fact that Dr Brar has not recorded his statement till date, Dr Kang said: “The train has to leave the station at some time, it cannot wait till long.”

... contd.