A major controversy has erupted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar after a first-year PhD scholar accused a faculty member of physical assault, harassment and sustained intimidation, raising serious concerns about campus safety and institutional accountability.
In a detailed account shared on social media, the scholar alleged that her supervisor, an assistant professor, physically assaulted her—claiming he punched her in the eye after she refused to comply with what she described as inappropriate demands. She further alleged that the professor pressured her to accompany him on a research trip to Japan and threatened to expel her from the doctoral programme when she declined.
The student also accused the faculty member of attempting to fabricate evidence by installing unauthorised surveillance cameras inside the laboratory. She claimed that access to the lab was later denied to her and that her mobile phone, which allegedly contained crucial evidence, went missing under suspicious circumstances.
Highlighting the personal toll of the episode, the scholar said repeated summons for Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) proceedings placed a financial burden on her family, which spent nearly Rs. 20,000 on travel. She added that the stress severely impacted her family members, with one relative reportedly requiring hospitalisation.
Following her post, many users on X and LinkedIn wrote, “We salute you, for having the courage to report this matter. There are so many girls in the past and present too and in almost every department, who are facing similar issues. Some leave PhD. Some succumb to pressure of their guide and became victimised. All the voices are muted and matters are diluted”. In fact, the incident has sparked outrage on social media and renewed scrutiny of grievance redressal mechanisms in India’s premier technical institutions.
The IIT Ropar in its official handle @iitrpr on X wrote.
IIT Ropar is fully aware of a incident reported by a PhD scholar. The Institute acted within 24 hours—ICC proceedings have begun, interim relief has been provided, and the concerned faculty member has been placed on forced leave. We are fully cooperating with authorities.
The institute administration confirmed that action was taken after the complaint was formally reported. IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja stated that the matter was brought to the institute’s attention in late April and immediate steps were initiated. The accused professor has been placed on forced leave for two months and barred from accessing campus facilities to prevent any interference with the inquiry.
According to the institute, the ICC took cognisance of the complaint within 24 hours, granted interim relief to ensure the scholar’s safety and academic continuity, and facilitated medical and counselling support. The case has also been referred to the police for further investigation.
However, the student has questioned the institute’s response, alleging delays and inconsistencies. She claimed that despite assurances of prompt action and a change of supervisor, no concrete measures were initially implemented. The scholar also alleged that she was contacted late at night by ICC members and asked to provide a statement to police expressing satisfaction with the committee’s handling of the case.
Similar concerns have surfaced across other IIT campuses in recent months. At IIT Kharagpur, multiple student deaths and allegations of academic pressure prompted administrative reforms and calls for stronger mental health support systems. In another incident at IIT Palakkad, a student was reportedly attacked at the campus , raising alarms over security infrastructure.
Experts say these recurring incidents underline the urgent need for more transparent complaint mechanisms, stronger safeguards against power imbalances in academia, and robust mental health and safety frameworks.
As investigations continue in the IIT Ropar case, attention remains focused on ensuring justice for the complainant and reinforcing trust in institutional processes.
