Avinash Azad
Government Degree College (GDC) Mahanpur has been engulfed in controversy as shocking allegations of harassment, abuse, and physical assault surface against Principal Dr. Sangeeta Sudan. Faculty members have lodged multiple complaints, accusing her of unprofessional behavior, intimidation, and physical aggression. This is not the first time such accusations have been leveled against Dr. Sudan, as she was previously accused of similar misconduct at GDC Vijaypur during her tenure there.
A Decade of Abuse?
In a formal complaint addressed to the Director of Colleges, Nisha Kumari, a librarian at GDC Mahanpur, detailed the alleged harassment endured by staff members for the past ten months. “The Principal has consistently exhibited unprofessional behavior, including harassment and intimidation. She refuses to address any grievances, disregards official requirements and applications, and has failed to process crucial matters such as my placement case,” the complaint stated.
However, matters took a violent turn on February 19, 2025. Faculty members approached Dr. Sudan to discuss important college development issues, only to be met with abusive language and hostility. “As has become routine, she immediately began misbehaving, used abusive language, and refused to entertain any discussion. When I attempted to document this unprofessional conduct, she became aggressive, tried to snatch my mobile phone, and forcefully grabbed my arm in the presence of several staff members. Fearing further assault, I had to flee toward the college gate for safety,” Nisha Kumari alleged in her letter.
Physical Assault on Faculty
The situation spiraled further when, at approximately 3:00 PM, during the faculty’s biometric attendance marking, Dr. Sudan allegedly slapped Dr. Nishu, a fellow faculty member, in front of several witnesses. The severity of the assault necessitated immediate medical attention at Government Hospital Mahanpur, where Dr. Nishu was prescribed two days of rest.
“These continuous instances of harassment and physical aggression have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the staff. We no longer feel safe working under such conditions and urgently seek intervention to address this matter. We respectfully request appropriate action and security arrangements to ensure our safety and dignity at the workplace,” the complaint further read.
Pattern of Abuse?
Dr. Sudan’s alleged abusive behavior is not new. In April 2021, she was accused of harassing contractual staff members while serving as the Principal of GDC Vijaypur. Despite multiple complaints in the past, no concrete action has been taken against her, allowing a pattern of misconduct to continue. Faced with overwhelming evidence, including a video recording of the recent incident, Dr. Sudan reportedly sought an explanation from Nisha Bhagat, the librarian, in an apparent attempt to shift blame.
Government Urged to Take Immediate Action
With nine faculty members co-signing the complaint addressed to the Director of Colleges, the situation at GDC Mahanpur has reached a boiling point. The staff has demanded immediate intervention, disciplinary action against Dr. Sudan, and necessary security measures to protect faculty members from further abuse. As reports of similar incidents emerge from other educational institutions, the question arises: How long will authorities turn a blind eye to the suffering of educators? The government must act decisively to restore a safe and professional environment in higher education institutions before the damage becomes irreversible.
When contacted regarding the allegations of harassment and manhandling of staff, Principal GDC Mahanpur, Dr. Sangeeta Sudan, responded, “(Nothing of that sort happened; you’re aware) Aisa to nahi hai, aapko pata hoga,” and then disconnected the call.
The Director of Colleges, J&K, did not answer the phone despite multiple calls. Any response received will be updated accordingly.
Students’ future on stake
Concerns have been raised about the academic integrity of certain senior faculty members from various colleges in the Jammu region. Allegedly, some are pressuring their junior colleagues to impose “cut-copy-paste” books on students while neglecting their classroom teaching duties. This practice is especially harmful to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who depend on proper guidance to build a secure future. Rather than fulfilling their teaching responsibilities in the classroom, they choose to spend time at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Meanwhile, junior teachers are overburdened and forced to endure mistreatment from their seniors, despite going above and beyond their duties.
