New Tehri. Authorities have opened an investigation after a complaint alleged that a faculty member of the Shri Raghunath Kirti Campus of Central Sanskrit University in Devprayag, Tehri district, engaged in improper behavior and sexual molestation with two female pupils—one a minor and the other an adult.
The campus administration lodged a formal grievance with Bah Bazaar police, prompting the registration of an FIR against Dr. Suryamani Bhandari under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to police records, the alleged incident occurred on August 22. The campus in‑charge filed a written complaint on September 21, detailing the teacher’s alleged misconduct. In response, the university has also initiated an internal inquiry.
Police Launch Probe
Following the FIR, investigators have begun gathering statements and forensic material. SSI Anita Negi, the appointed investigation officer, affirmed that the case is being examined impartially, based solely on the evidence at hand.
Negi added that because certain provisions of the POCSO Act prescribe a maximum punishment of less than seven years, the police are adhering to the statutory arrest procedures applicable to those sections.
Station House Officer Inspector Amarjeet confirmed that the campus director submitted a detailed written complaint accusing the lecturer of inappropriate physical contact with the students. Law enforcement is scrutinizing every facet of the allegation and cross‑checking the corroborative evidence.
Teacher Suspended Pending Inquiry
Given the gravity of the accusations, the university’s governing body has immediately suspended Dr. Suryamani Bhandari pending the outcome of the investigation.
Institution Director P.B.V. Subramanyam disclosed that the lecturer has been relocated to the campus guest house to prevent any interference with the ongoing probe. The university is concurrently conducting its own disciplinary proceedings.
