Bengaluru: A 45-year-old professor working with a private university in Bengaluru was arrested on Monday for allegedly sexually harassing a 19-year-old girl student at his residence in Jayanagar on September 25.
The accused, identified as Sanjeev Kumar Mandal, was later released on station bail, police said. He has been booked under Section 75 (Sexual Harassment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint filed by the student at the Tilaknagar police station on Sunday.
The incident
According to the complaint, the victim — a third-year BCA student — stated that Mandal had invited her to his house for lunch on September 25, assuring her that his wife and children would be present.
“Mandal even spoke to my mother and told her to send me with him for lunch. Believing that his family would be there, my mother agreed,” the student told police.
However, on reaching his residence, Mandal allegedly revealed that no one else was at home. When the student expressed hesitation, he reassured her of safety.
“He sat beside me on the sofa, began asking personal questions, and suggested I end my relationship with my boyfriend. He said I should move into a PG near his apartment so I could visit his house regularly to clear doubts. He promised to help me with marks, money, and attendance,” the student’s statement said.
Despite her objections, Mandal allegedly touched her inappropriately. The student managed to alert a friend over a phone call during the incident.
“Mandal told me he was only testing my loyalty towards my boyfriend and asked me not to tell anyone about what happened,” she told police.
University response
University officials said they have not yet received a formal complaint from the student.
“We are unaware of the issue. We’ll wait for police action before taking any steps,” an official said.
Police investigation
Police said Mandal was taken into custody for questioning and subsequently released on station bail as per procedure. Further investigation is underway.