A professor from a reputed college in the western suburbs has been arrested for allegedly molesting a student.
A professor from a reputed college in the western suburbs has been arrested for allegedly molesting a student. The 18-year-old woman is said to have been visiting the college for an examination, when the incident occurred.
According to police sources, the arrested accused has been identified as Mahendra Bhandare (45), and is said to be an assistant professor in a prominent college located in Vile Parle (east).
“The woman approached us on Monday to register a complaint against the professor. She alleged that he had come extremely close to her and placed his hand on her chest under the pretext of explaining something in the paper,” said Raksha Maharao, senior police inspector, Vile Parle police station. “While she ignored it the first time, he allegedly did it for the second time after a few minutes,” she added. Sources informed that the girl is said to be a student of some other college and was visiting the college where the incident occurred to appear for the ongoing HSC supplementary examinations. “After the incident, she approached us and we registered an FIR and began investigations,” said an officer.
Ms Maharao confirmed that Bhandare was arrested following the complaint. “We arrested him on Tuesday and are investigating the case,” she said.
Senior officers added that they would be conducting inquiries to check whether any other students have also had a similar experience.
Investigators also added that the college had begun an internal inquiry in the said matter. “Every college is supposed to have a Nirbhaya committee to look into such incidents and complaints; we informed the college and they have started their own investigation,” said an officer.
