A Nagaland University Professor has been accused of physically assaulting a female colleague.

According to condemnations issued by the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and the Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF), Lumami, one Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti allegedly  subjected a group of master’s students to verbal abuse, using vile, derogatory, and demeaning language on November. The professor further physically assaulted and manhandled a female Assistant Professor.

The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) expresses its outrage and condemnation of the physical assault perpetrated by Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti within the premises of Nagaland University, Lumami. “This egregious act, committed by a colleague and educator, is a blatant betrayal of trust, a serious violation of the university’s code of conduct, and a stark reminder of the alarming rise of violence and harassment within academic institutions,” stated LSU.

The Union noted that such action undermines the safety, dignity, and well-being of students and faculty members.

“A person of Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti character, who displays such blatant disregard for the well-being and safety of others, is utterly unfit to serve as a faculty member In a reputed institution like Nagaland University. His behaviour is a stark contradiction to the values of academic excellence, integrity, and respect that the university strives to uphold. We strongly believe that such a person is not fit to teach in any educational institution. His presence in an academic environment poses a threat to the safety and well-being of students and faculty members,” added the Union.

In light of the incident, the LSU demanded the Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Lumami, to immediately terminate Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti from his duties and disassociate him from Nagaland University within four days from the date of publication of the letter.

“We expect a prompt response and resolution to this matter. Failure to comply with these demands will prompt the LSU to pursue legal action and take all necessary measures to ensure justice for the victim and a safe learning environment for all,” stated the Union.

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The Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF), Lumami, also expressed its profound outrage and resentment regarding the conduct of Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti from the Department of Zoology.

“It is with deep regret and anger that we bring to your notice an incident where Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti, during official working hours on25th November 2024, subjected a group of master’s students to verbal abuse, using vile, derogatory, and demeaning language. Even more egregiously, he physically assaulted and manhandled a female Assistant Professor from the same department. Such behavior is a gross violation of institutional norms and a blatant affront to human dignity and professional ethics,” informed the Forum.

The NURSF also claimed that the incident is not an isolated one. “Multiple accounts of Professor Sarat Chandra’s unprofessional and unethical conduct demonstrate a repeated pattern of intimidation, abuse, and disregard for the safety and well-being of those around him. His actions have created an environment of fear and hostility within the department and campus, jeopardizing the mental and physical safety of both students and faculty members,” asserted the Forum.

Condemning the assault, NURSF viewed that such behavior is a stain on the reputation of the institution and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Against the serious misconduct, the Forum demanded the immediate termination of Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti from his position at Nagaland University, experessing that the Professor’s continued presence in the institution will pose a grave threat to the safety and well-being of its members.

“The Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum is committed to ensuring that our academic environment is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all. We will not tolerate any compromise on these principles. We demand the administration take immediate and decisive action, ensuring such heinous behavior is met with the strongest disciplinary measures and never allowed to occur again in our institution,” stated the Forum.