Accused of proposing to girl students and asking them out, physical education dept professor of University of Pune resigns week before committee submits report
The professor from the physical education department of the University of Pune (UoP), who is accused of allegedly making advances to girl students and sending them friend requests on a popular social networking site submitted his resignation eight days ago.
Outraged: Vice Chancellor Dr W N Gade speaking to protesting students outside the department of physical education of the UoP after the alleged misbehaviours by (Inset) Santosh Kamble. File Pics
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MiD DAY had published article ‘3-member committee to investigate allegations against UoP professor’ on August 24. Santosh Kamble was facing an inquiry for allegedly proposing to some girl students in his department and he quit before the three-member committee could submit its report.
The committee headed by former Pro-Vice Chancellor of UoP Dr Arun Adsul was investigating the matter from last month. The committee submitted a detailed report to UoP Vice Chancellor Dr W N Gade on Wednesday. When contacted, Kamble confirmed that he has resigned, but chose not to say much. “Whatever information you want, you can get from the UoP. I don’t want to comment further,” Kamble said.
Acting dean of physical education faculty Dr Sanjeev Sonavne said that the VC has accepted Kamble’s resignation. “Kamble submitted his resignation citing health reasons. As per what I know, the VC has accepted his resignation,” Sonavne said. Besides allegations of misbehaving with students, Kamble was also facing charges of fighting with colleague and professor Vishnu Pethkar, who submitted his resignation after the spat. The department however, did not accept Pethkar resignation.
“I launched an official complaint against Kamble to the VC after the incident and also cooperated with the committee investigating the case. Besides that, I don’t want to comment,” Pethkar said.
After receiving several complaints against Kamble for misbehaving with girl students, the VC has given him a six-months warning period. But senior members of the faculty claim that Kamble’s resignation proved his guilt in the matter. Attempts to contact Gade for comment were futile.
Kamble was asked by Gade to go on forced leave on August 20 till the inquiry was complete. HoD Dr B R Shejwal of the physical education department said the environment of the department is normal. “Students are back in class and have started attending lectures soon after the committee was formed. The students are aware of Kamble’s resignation,” Shejwal said.u00a0
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