Press Release, 5.10.2013

Candle light Protest March to demand police action against the Principal, B.R.Ambedkar College

Over 500 karamcharis, students and teachers gathered at Arts Faculty Gate today at 5:30 pm to participate in a candle-light protest march organised by DUCKU (Delhi University and College Karamchari Union) to demand justice for Pavitra Bhardwaj, Lab Assistant in Geography Department in B. R. Ambedkar College, who tried to immolate herself on 30 September, 2013, to draw attention to the injustice done to her. Pavitra has suffered over 90% burns and is struggling for her life at LNJP hospital.

Pavitra had filed a complaint of sexual harassment against the College Principal, Dr.G.K.Arora, after which her services were terminated by the Principal without reference to the Governing Body. Pavitra struggled unsuccessfully for justice at various fora, including the DU administration, for the last four years before taking this extreme step.

Continuing with the struggle, the  DUCKU  has announced that a protest dharna will be held between 10 am and 1pm at Ambedkar College on Monday, 7th October, to demand action by the police and University authorities against the Principal. The DUTA extends its full support to DUCKU and to the college community, and appeals to the university community to join this struggle for justice.