FIR Against IIM-B Director, Faculty Over Dalit Professor's Discrimination Claim. College Cites Harassment Complaint

A Dalit professor at IIM-B has filed a case against the director and seven professors for alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment. The police have registered the case under the SC/ST Act.

A case has been registered against the director and seven professors of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B), following allegations of caste-based discrimination by a Dalit associate professor, police said on Saturday. The complaint, filed by Gopal Das, an associate professor at IIM-B, accuses the institute's leadership of revealing and publicising his caste, denying him equal opportunities, and subjecting him to mental harassment and threats.

The case, registered on Friday, is under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, news agency PTI reported.  

According to PTI, a senior police officer confirmed the filing of the case and noted that those named in the FIR claimed to have obtained a stay order from the court on the same evening. However, the police have yet to receive the court’s directive. "We received the complaint and filed a case. However, those named in the FIR claimed that they obtained a stay order from the court the same evening. But we are yet to receive the order," the cop informed.

The Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), in its investigation report, recommended legal action against the accused to the Social Welfare Department, prompting the state police chief to act on the complaint.  

IIM-B Dismisses Dalit Professor's Discrimination Allegation

Responding to the allegations, the IIM-B released a statement refuting claims of harassment or discrimination. The institute asserted that Das had received significant support since his recruitment in 2018. "He applied for the position of Assistant Professor but was offered the role of Associate Professor based on his qualifications and experience," the statement said.  

The institute detailed various incentives provided to Das, including responsibilities such as Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board and membership in committees like Career Development Services and Diversity and Inclusion.  

The statement also contended that Das’s allegations emerged only after his application for promotion was put on hold due to complaints of harassment lodged by doctoral students. An internal enquiry, involving a committee that included an academic from the SC community, found the students’ complaints to be "justified".  

"IIM-B remains committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and will continue to uphold its legacy of excellence and integrity," the institute added, emphasising its adherence to legal protocols in addressing the issue.  

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