Former Delhi University teacher Pavitra Bhardwaj allegedly committed suicide over sexual harassment
A woman who used to work in the Delhi University died in hospital today after she set herself on fire outside the state government headquarters nearly a week ago.
Pavitra Bhardwaj had been rushed to hospital on September 30 with almost 90 per cent burns. The 40-year-old has reportedly left a suicide note alleging sexual harassment by the principal of BR Ambedkar College, where she worked as a chemistry lab assistant till last year.
Ms Bhardwaj was dismissed after an internal panel of the college backed the principal, GK Arora. Several teachers at the college, staff and students had protested against her sacking.
Since 2010, she had repeatedly complained of harassment by the principal, first to the Delhi Police, then the university.
The police reportedly questioned Mr Arora, but said there was not enough evidence to even file a formal police complaint, or First Information Report (FIR).
Mr Bhardwaj then complained to the university's panel against sexual harassment, which is reportedly yet to complete its inquiry.
"She had been harassed for over three years," said her husband, Dharmendra Bhardwaj, a head constable with Delhi police, "even the police did not take our complaint seriously...now we just want justice."
Mr Bhardwaj has reportedly filmed a statement of his wife in the hospital and circulated it.