A student from Iran, who wanted to pursue her PhD from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), was molested by a 53-year-old professor and PhD guide. He was later arrested
Shivaji Borhade, the accused
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A student from Iran, who wanted to pursue her PhD from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), was molested by a 53-year-old professor and PhD guide.
Kothrud police arrested Shivaji Borhade yesterday under section 354 (molestation) of the IPC after the 31-year-old Iranian filed a case and provided proof.
The Iranian said, "He always insisted that I meet him in his cabin on the campus, and we met seven to eight times to discuss my paper. He kept telling me there’s only one seat remaining for a PhD candidate and there was another able aspirant around, so I had to put in extra effort."
On August 6, Borhade allegedly called her again to check and discuss some portions of her paper. "But he sat beside me and began talking about irrelevant things. He asked me about my lifestyle, praised my looks, but never brought up the paper. It struck me as weird, but I politely sat through it. But soon after, he started touching me inappropriately."
The student excused herself, saying she was unwell and rushed home. "Back home, I listened to the recording and realised that he had demanded sexual favours in return for my enrolment."
Borhade was produced in court yesterday and remanded in police custody. Police Inspector Phuge said, "We suspect Borhade may have victimised other students too. Investigations are underway."
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