Three Professors Dismissed in Himachal Pradesh for Sexual Harassment

In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh Education Department has dismissed three professors for sexually harassing female students. The decision follows a thorough investigation that confirmed serious misconduct, including inappropriate behavior and attempts to intimidate victims. The dismissed individuals include professors from various colleges, and their actions have raised concerns about the safety and integrity of the academic environment. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining trust and dignity in educational institutions. Read on to learn more about the details of the cases and the implications for the education system.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 14:43 IST

Dismissal of Professors in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, April 16: The Education Department of Himachal Pradesh has terminated the services of three Assistant Professors following a departmental investigation that confirmed their involvement in the sexual harassment of female students, as reported by officials on Thursday.

The individuals dismissed include Virender Sharma (Assistant Professor of Mathematics), Anil Kumar (Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Siddharth Government College, Hamirpur), and Pawan Kumar (Professor of Dance - Kathak at Jawaharlal Nehru Government College of Fine Arts, Shimla).

The dismissal notice, issued on April 16 by Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, highlighted that the allegations of 'grave moral turpitude and gross misconduct' against the professors were substantiated. The notice stressed the importance of trust, dignity, and a secure academic environment in teacher-student relationships, noting that such misconduct undermines these principles, disrupts institutional discipline, and diminishes public confidence in the education system.

The department stated that the explanations provided by the accused did not successfully counter the evidence against them nor lessen the severity of their misconduct as determined during the inquiry.

Investigations revealed that Virender Sharma, who was stationed at Rajiv Gandhi Government Degree College, Chaura Maidan, acted inappropriately towards a second-year B.Sc. student on December 1, 2021. He allegedly tried to establish personal contact with her and called her to his home, where he attempted to assault her. The student managed to escape after resisting his advances.

Anil Kumar, employed at Siddharth Government College, Nadaun, was found guilty of molesting and sexually harassing a first-year B.Sc. student during a Chemistry practical class on November 14, 2024. The inquiry revealed that he repeatedly touched the student inappropriately and later fled to avoid the investigation.

Pawan Kumar was discovered to have abused his official position by inviting female students to his residence late at night for dance practice, pressuring some to stay overnight. On January 22, 2024, he allegedly attempted to molest a female student and subsequently tried to conceal the incident. The investigation also uncovered that his wife attempted to intimidate the complainant’s family.

Moreover, other accusations against him, such as taking students to the Governor’s House without authorization, acting arbitrarily in grading, and failing to keep accurate attendance records, were also validated.

Officials confirmed that all three educators have been dismissed from their positions effective immediately.