KATHMANDU, March 16: Prof Dr Yubaraj Sangroula, the executive director of the Kathmandu School of Law (KSL), has demanded an independent investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the KSL on Sunday, he stated that he is fully prepared to cooperate with any investigative body conducting an inquiry.
A student at the KSL had accused Sangroula of sexual misconduct. The student has also alleged that the institution is protecting its chief instead of addressing the complaint.
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In a social media post on March 9, Sandhya Gautam (sandygeeez) expressed frustration over what she described as the institution’s swift response in silencing victims while ignoring complaints. She claimed that her formal complaint, filed on December 5, 2024, remains overlooked. In her post, she accused Sangroula of making inappropriate remarks about female students' bodies, pressuring students into giving him massages, and threatening academic consequences for those who declined or resisted him.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Sangroula expressed dissatisfaction with the media using abstract allegations from social media as a source of authentic news, stating that if he is truly a victim, he should pursue legal proceedings.
He said, “If any investigative body questions my 37 years of integrity, they are free to arrest me. However, if the media conducts trials based on unverified social media claims, innocent people will suffer.”
Dr Sangroula denied the allegations and said that the discussions held in the classroom during his thematic study were misinterpreted.
He also objected to the threatening comments on social media and expressed his full faith in the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
Meanwhile, the management of the KSL has formed an inquiry committee under the coordination of senior journalist Tirtha Koirala, advocate Seema Dhami and Dr Shree Krishna Bhattarai to conduct an impartial investigation into the case. The committee has been directed to investigate the complaint within 15 days and present its findings to the management committee.
While the institution initially remained silent, it responded with official statements on March 11 and 12, denying the allegations, as public pressure mounted.
