Kashmir University scientist suspended after his arrest in a rape and cheating complaint

Srinagar: A scientist in the Computer Sciences Department of Kashmir University has been suspended by the varsity authorities following his arrest in an alleged sexual assault case. University officials said that the accused was arrested from outside the campus, and the victim is not associated with the university in any way.

“We came to know about the arrest of Sajad M Khan, a scientist in the Computer Sciences Department, from police officials. He is a permanent staff member here, but the victim is not from the university,” Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, Professor Neelofar Khan, told ET. The accused, 53, holds a Master’s degree in Computer Management from Pune University and a PhD from Mewar University in Rajasthan, and works as 'Scientist C' at KU.

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The VC further said that, following established protocol, the university authorities will suspend Khan at least until the investigation is complete. “We have ordered his suspension, as is the protocol in such matters, but we are not aware of the nature of the allegations since the victim is not associated with the university in any way,” she added. The Vice Chancellor also informed that he was on leave on April 21 when he was arrested from his residence in the Ahmad Nagar area on the outskirts of Srinagar.

“The victim was in her 20s when she met him in 2018; she is now in her 30s. She has alleged that he exploited and sexually abused her for several years. She also claimed that he forced her, through deception, to sell her jewellery and land,” a senior police official told ET. The police has completed the medico-legal formalities of the victim. “We have registered a rape case under BNS. However, the preliminary investigation is revealing several other aspects of the case. He has been arrested, and we will now seek his remand from the court,” the official said.