Gujarat University Professor Accused of Sexual Harassment: Disciplinary Proceedings Initiated | Ahmedabad News

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Technological University (GTU) started disciplinary procedures against Prof. SD Panchalformer university registrar accused of sexually harassing a female faculty member in the School of Engineering and Technology.
The GTU finally issued a show cause notice to Panchal on Wednesday, four months after the complaint was filed. In its report submitted earlier this month, the commission of inquiry “found prima facie evidence to support the allegations which required further investigation”, GTU sources said.
According to the complaint, the pattern of alleged inappropriate behavior began during the woman’s doctoral studies. It is alleged that the professor would send her text messages every day on social networking apps such as Telegram, suggesting sexual favors in exchange for helping her complete her doctorate. According to an extract from complaint filed on July 25, “… repeatedly intimidated me, giving a sense of power and assurance that the VC would follow his instructions.”
It is alleged that he would often engage in work discussions while trying to build trust through personal conversations, feigning loneliness and harboring suicidal thoughts.
Panchal also allegedly asked the complainant to visit his office every day, failing which he would “insist through phone calls” or “ask someone else” to convey the same to him.
At one point, she was receiving between 10 and 25 messages a day, the plaintiff claims.
The situation allegedly escalated in March 2022 when, after Panchal made explicit advances, the claimant faced retaliatory behavior.
“He tried to sexually harass me, but I firmly avoided these attempts and refused to give in to him. This led to a complete transformation in his attitude. He had a completely different personality. His behavior was very rude,” it is claimed in the complaint.
On December 16, 2022, Panchal sent her a text message suggesting an inappropriate quid pro quo – “You may also need to go to a hotel to get a Ph.D.” Panchal is also accused of blackmailing and stalking her, besides threatening to ruin her career.
The complaint also alleges that the woman’s brother was threatened and asked to keep the matter private. Panchal also allegedly asked a female employee to call the complainant to reach a compromise on the matter.