The alleged sexual abuse of students by the 54-year-old head of department and chief proctor of a government-aided college in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras was flagged to the college and district administration in October 2023, only to be brushed under the carpet – until an anonymous complainant gained the courage to blow the lid off the case last month.

The professor, Rajnish Kumar, was booked by the Hathras police on Saturday for allegedly raping several women students and filming the act. He is currently on the run.

Officials The Indian Express spoke to said a letter, purportedly written by a college student, was submitted to the District Magistrate in October 2023, first flagging the alleged incidents.
“Following the complaint, the then District Magistrate formed a committee to probe the matter, but its report was never made public,” said an official.