A case of alleged sexual harassment has been registered at Pedakakani Police Station, Guntur district, against Dr. Ubaid Mushtaq, Assistant Professor of Economics at SRM University-AP, Mangalagiri, following a complaint filed by a woman assistant professor from the Psychology department at the same institution, as reported in NewsMeter.
The complainant stated that the accused subjected her to continuous harassment over a prolonged period at their shared workplace. Both individuals belonged to the same professional and social circle and reportedly shared a daily carpool arrangement. She alleged that his behaviour grew increasingly inappropriate, intrusive and unwelcome, particularly before December 2025, and that despite her clear disinterest and repeated refusals, he continued to make advances and pressured her to invite him to her residence, which she declined multiple times.
The complainant alleged that the accused sent her sexually explicit and objectionable messages, photos and videos via Instagram’s “vanish mode” feature which causes messages to disappear automatically once the chat is exited, leaving no recoverable trace. She further alleged that he made vulgar and unsolicited comments about her physical appearance, clothing and undergarments, creating a hostile and intimidating work environment. The complainant stated that the nature of the remarks was so inappropriate that she had explicitly warned him and communicated her discomfort, but the behaviour continued.
The complainant stated that she raised the matter with the Dean of Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP on multiple occasions, but no effective action was taken. She alleged the management’s continued inaction worsened her distress and sense of insecurity. She stated she is currently undergoing treatment for severe mental distress, anxiety and fear caused by the sustained harassment. With the accused continuing to be present at the workplace, which she described as a source of ongoing psychological trauma, she said she had no choice but to approach the police. She also alleged that she began facing pressure after filing the complaint.
Police registered an FIR under Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (as amended in 2008), and Section 75(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, covering offences of cyber sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal intimidation. Following the complaint, SRM University-AP withdrew Dr. Ubaid Mushtaq from his position as Head of the Department of Economics. The university stated that further action will be determined based on the findings of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the ongoing police investigation.
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