A 45-year-old professor and Head of Department, Sanjeev Kumar Mandal, at a private college in Bengaluru, was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a 19-year-old student on September 25, 2025. The professor invited the student under the guise of lunch and special classes but was alone at home, where he coerced her to break up with her boyfriend and move close to his residence, promising academic benefits while making inappropriate advances.
After the student reported the incident to her parents, a police complaint was filed. The accused was arrested under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and later released on bail. The college awaits the investigation’s outcome before taking action.
False Assurance and Coercion at Home
The professor earned the trust of both the student and her mother by assuring them that his family would be present during the visit to his home. However, upon arrival, the student found him alone and was subjected to coercion. Mandal pressured her to break ties with her boyfriend and relocate to a paying guest accommodation nearby so she could visit him frequently to clear doubts.
Promising assistance with academic marks, money, and attendance, he tried to isolate her. Despite her objections, Mandal made inappropriate physical advances. When a friend’s call interrupted the incident, the professor justified his conduct by claiming it was a test of the student’s loyalty towards her boyfriend and asked her not to reveal it to anyone. This manipulation and betrayal of trust add a human and painful dimension to the case, highlighting the vulnerabilities students can face within their educational environments.
Legal Action and Institutional Response
Following the student’s complaint at the Tilaknagar Police Station, an FIR was registered under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to sexual harassment. Sanjeev Kumar Mandal was arrested and subsequently granted station bail. The private college involved stated that the student had not approached them formally and that they are awaiting the results of the police investigation before considering disciplinary measures.
This incident reflects ongoing challenges educational institutions face in ensuring the safety and dignity of their students and emphasizes the critical importance of clear protocols for reporting and addressing harassment allegations. It also underlines the need for proactive measures to prevent such abuse, safeguarding student welfare.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stands resolute in its commitment to advocating safe, respectful, and harassment-free educational spaces where students can pursue knowledge without fear. This case painfully illustrates the urgent need for institutions to build transparent mechanisms that promptly address misconduct and protect victims. Beyond punitive measures, there must be a cultural shift within academies to educate staff and students on consent, boundaries, and respect.
Institutional accountability should go hand in hand with fostering empathy and dialogue, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. The Logical Indian invites readers to reflect on how educational bodies can strengthen support systems, encourage reporting, and cultivate environments where trust and dignity flourish.
