"Grabbed my neck from behind, touched thighs": NIT Silchar professor arrested for molesting female student on campus

Dr. Koteswara Raju Dhenukonda, an assistant professor of Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, was arrested on Friday for allegedly molesting a female student inside his chamber. The institute suspended him before his arrest. The student filed a written complaint on Thursday, detailing how he called her to discuss low marks, asked her to lock the door, and then inappropriately touched her. Her letter describing the incident went viral, leading to widespread protests on campus.

According to the complaint, the professor touched the student’s thighs, belly, and neck, played vulgar songs, and grabbed her from behind. "He asked me to feel comfortable and said my marks could be managed if I obey him," the student wrote. She managed to escape after receiving a call from a friend. Following the complaint, the institute sealed the professor’s chamber and referred the case to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act.

Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta confirmed that the professor initially attempted to evade arrest by locking his quarter from the outside. He was tracked through his mobile phone and detained at 5:30 PM on Friday. After being questioned at the Ghungoor Police Outpost, he was transferred to Silchar Sadar Police Station. He has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The incident sparked large-scale protests, with students demanding immediate termination of the accused. They claimed this was not the first complaint against him. In 2021, another student had accused him of sexual harassment, but he was exonerated due to lack of evidence and the absence of the complainant during the proceedings. The students called off their demonstrations after the institute assured them of strict action.

NIT Silchar’s Registrar Ashim Roy stated that the institute is fully cooperating with the investigation. Director Dilip Kumar Baidya confirmed that the campus is now under control, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The ICC has launched an inquiry, and the police are recording statements. The professor remains in custody as further legal proceedings continue.