The Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF), Lumami, and the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) have issued strongly worded statements expressing “profound outrage and resentment” over the alleged misconduct of Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti from the Department of Zoology.
According to the NURSF, the professor engaged in “verbal abuse, using vile, derogatory, and demeaning language” toward a group of master’s students during official working hours on November 25, 2024. The forum further alleged that he “physically assaulted and manhandled a female Assistant Professor” from the same department.
“This behavior is a gross violation of institutional norms and a blatant affront to human dignity and professional ethics,” the NURSF stated.
The forum emphasized that the incident was not isolated. “Multiple accounts of Professor Sarat Chandra’s unprofessional and unethical conduct demonstrate a repeated pattern of intimidation, abuse, and disregard for the safety and well-being of those around him,” it said. “His actions have created an environment of fear and hostility within the department and campus, jeopardizing the mental and physical safety of both students and faculty members.”
Condemning the acts as “reprehensible” and “a stain on the reputation of this esteemed institution,” the NURSF demanded the immediate termination of Professor Yenisetti. “His continued presence in the institution poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of its members,” the statement concluded.
Separately, the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) expressed “utmost outrage and condemnation” over the alleged physical assault on the Assistant Professor.
“This egregious act, committed by a colleague and educator, is a blatant betrayal of trust, a serious violation of the university’s code of conduct, and a stark reminder of the alarming rise of violence and harassment within academic institutions,” the LSU stated.
The union described Professor Yenisetti as “utterly unfit to serve as a faculty member in a reputed institution like Nagaland University” and characterized his behavior as a “stark contradiction to the values of academic excellence, integrity, and respect that the university strives to uphold.”
The LSU also stated that Professor Yenisetti’s actions posed a direct threat to the academic community. “His presence in an academic environment poses a threat to the safety and well-being of students and faculty members,” it said.
Calling for immediate action, the LSU demanded that the Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University terminate Professor Yenisetti within four days of the statement’s publication. “Failure to comply with these demands will prompt the LSU to pursue legal action and take all necessary measures to ensure justice for the victim and a safe learning environment for all,” the statement warned.
At the time of this report, Nagaland University had not issued a response to the allegations.
The Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami [(NUSU(L)] has also condemned the incident. It alleged that Prof Sarat Chandra Yenisetti, a faculty member of the Zoology Department, Nagaland University Lumami not only harassed a student but also physically assaulted a female colleague. “This egregious act of violence and intimidation has left the department reeling and the victims traumatized,” it said, adding that such behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our academic community.
Expressing solidarity with the victim, NUSU(L) demanded that the university administration take stringent action against the perpetrator, including “immediate termination of Prof. Sarat Chandra Yenisetti from his position at the University.”
Furthermore, it urged students and research scholars to raise their voices against such incidents and to report any instances of misconduct to the authorities. “We will not sit idly by and allow such behavior to continue,” it added.
“This incident serves as a warning to faculty members and staff that we will not tolerate any form of harassment, offensive language, or assault. We expect all members of our academic community to uphold the values of respect, inclusivity, and dignity,” NUSU(L) president Imtiwapong S and General Secretary Nzanthung A Murry said.
Meanwhile, according to sources, the professor has been taken into custody at the Akuluto police station.
