Nagaland University (NU) students and research scholars have made serious allegations against Professor Sarat Chandra Yenisetti, resulting in his suspension and police custody. The incident, which occurred on November 25, 2024, has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for legal action and institutional reforms.
Incident at Nagaland University, Lumami
Imtiwapong, President of the Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami (NUSU-L), recounted the events: “On 25 November, we had a social work for the upcoming National Conference our department has scheduled. My friend told me they wished him (Professor Sarat) good morning. While I was at a shop printing material, my friend called to inform me that our sir wanted to meet my friend who was with me. When we reached the department, we learned he was shouting, using foul language, and cursing. When my friend approached him, he shouted, ‘Who are you to wish me good morning?’ or something along that line.”
Imtiwapong added that till today no one knows the reason behind his anger on November 25, 2024. However, the professor allegedly harassed his friend by asking him to take off his jacket and shirt. The situation escalated when the professor grabbed a dao (machete) after initially asking a junior for it, who refused. Holding the dao, he reportedly cursed and threatened, saying, “I’ll cut you.”
“Our female professor tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation,” he said. However, the professor allegedly pushed her while continuing to use foul language. Students and the Head of the Department (HoD) intervened to disarm him. According to Imtiwapong, “The professor went back to his chamber cursing both the HoD and the female professor.”
As word of the incident spread, a crowd gathered, and tensions escalated. “I, along with the NURSF convenor, tried to de-escalate the issue until the police and the Vice Chancellor arrived. We lodged an FIR and demanded his suspension. He was suspended that very day,” Imtiwapong said.
He further explained that while the professor had a history of demeaning and demotivating students, they usually chose to ignore it out of respect. “But this time, he was physical, and that’s why we believe he crossed all limits.”
Teisozelhou Beio, Convenor of the Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum (NURSF), claimed that the professor has a history of inappropriate behavior. “According to the allegations, this is not the first time he has committed such faults.
He has sexually harassed coworkers, students, and research scholars. We are demanding that he be terminated.”
Beio added that many individuals came forward with allegations against the professor following the incident. “Yesterday, we provided a platform, and so many people shared their experiences of what they had gone through in the hands of the accused.”
The NURSF convenor also called for stricter legal action. “We demand that he be punished as per the BNS or the IPC. While we may not file additional FIRs immediately, we expect a thorough investigation and, if necessary, central-level intervention.”
NSF, ASU calls for accountability
Student organizations, including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), have demanded swift action against the professor.
In a strongly worded letter to the university, the NSF stated, “This incident is a direct violation of institutional values and ethics. The professor’s repeated acts of intimidation and verbal abuse have severely compromised the well-being of the university community.”
The federation demanded the professor’s termination within three days, warning of “necessary measures” if their demands are not met. They also urged the university to establish mechanisms for ensuring a safe and respectful environment.
The ASU expressed solidarity with the students, describing the professor’s actions as a “grave violation of professional ethics.” Their statement emphasized, “The absence of sense in a highly qualified academician is beyond belief. His continued presence in the university poses a danger to the institution at large.”
Investigation underway
Additional SP of Zunheboto, speaking to MT, confirmed that witness statements had been recorded and the investigation is ongoing. “The case is under investigation. Once it is investigated, the case will be registered,” the officer said.
Professor Yenisetti has been working at the university for over 20 years. While this is reportedly the first instance of physical assault, the NUSU president claimed that the professor has a history of verbal abuse, frequently calling students “losers.” Some individuals have also alleged that he sexually assaulted research scholars and coworkers in the past. These allegations are now part of the ongoing investigation.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor and Registrar declined to comment on the matter when approached.