Nagaland: Professor Suspended Amid Assault Allegations at Nagaland University

KOHIMA: Students and research scholars of Nagaland University (NU) have accused Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti of grave misconduct, which has led to his suspension and being put behind police custody.

The incident, which took place on November 25, 2024, has sparked widespread calls for accountability and systemic reforms within the institution.

According to Imtiwapong, President of the Nagaland University Students' Union, Lumami (NUSU-L), the clash started in a departmental social work session. A student had greeted Professor Yenisetti with a "good morning," but the professor allegedly reacted angrily. The situation escalated when the professor reportedly harassed the student, demanding he remove his jacket and shirt.

It became threatening when the professor attempted to grab a dao (machete) from a junior, whom he had first requested it from. He is said to have threatened by uttering abusive words and telling the person, "I will cut you." Other female faculty members tried to intervene in the situation and were reportedly pushed aside. Other faculty members and the Head of the Department intervened and disarmed him.

When the news of the event spread, students and staff gathered, which called for police and Vice-Chancellor's involvement. The same day, an FIR was filed, and the professor was suspended.

According to students and scholars, the incident is not an isolated one. Imtiwapong described the professor's past behavior as verbally abusive, often demoralizing students by calling them "losers." Teisozelhou Beio, Convenor of the Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF), claimed the professor had previously engaged in inappropriate conduct, including allegations of sexual harassment against students and coworkers.

Beio further commented that the recent incident encouraged others to come forward with similar allegations. "We provided a platform for individuals to share their experiences, and many disclosed instances of misconduct by the accused," Beio stated.  The NURSF is demanding the professor's termination and a proper legal investigation under the IPC.

The student organizations, such as the Naga Students' Federation and the Angami Students' Union, have condemned this act. NSF wrote to the university condemning the act by the professor as a breach of institutional ethics and demanding his removal within three days. The letter threatened further action if their demands were not met and urged the university to implement policies that ensured safety and respect.

The ASU echoed the sentiments in describing the professor's behavior as "a grave breach of professional ethics" and a danger to the university community.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto, confirmed that witness statements have been recorded and the investigation is ongoing. While this is the first reported instance of physical assault, the professor’s alleged history of verbal and sexual misconduct is now under scrutiny. 

Despite the gravity of the situation, both the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Nagaland University declined to comment. 

The incident has sparked discussions about the need for cultural and institutional reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. 

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