In a letter to the Chairman of UBS, Pune, the Protesting Students of UBS stated that they have ‘formally called off’ their protest since “the governing body has given us a written assurance in meeting our demands dated 20th April, 2023 at 8:45 pm”.
Following the accusation of ‘sexual and mental harassment’ by more than 5 female students against one Dr Sentiwate Aier, UBS students have been protesting in the campus since 17 April over the “poor response from the administration to the situation.”
In an announcement dated 18 April, available in the Seminary’s website (http://www.ubs.ac.in/about/) UBS Board Chairman Rev Vijayesh Lal promised that the ICC will conduct the inquiry impartially and that action will be taken in accordance with the POSH Act.
According to the students, the Chairman UBS informed them that the ICC procured a “draft report” that found the accused “guilty,” but that the ICC has yet to issue an “official report” and is working on a “water-tight” report.
The students also revealed that the accused has already left the campus, leaving behind his family, who will remain on campus until the matter is resolved. The students also added that the accused’s wife had been “suspended from all responsibilities on campus.”
According to the students, the draft report noted that “victims can demand any kind of apology they want,” to which the Chairman UBS suggested that an official apology letter will be written to the victims by the accused. However, the students also said that it was also made clear that it is now entirely up to the victims to choose what to do.
