Chandigarh: A sports coach at Panjab University has been accused of allegedly harassing a woman student, with a complaint filed before the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) around two weeks ago. The committee is currently examining the matter.According to the complaint, the student approached the coach at the university sports office to enquire about training. The coach subsequently took her to his private academy in Zirakpur, where, according to the student, she was to be familiarised with the training process.The student alleged that during the visit, the coach touched her inappropriately on the pretext of assisting her with exercises.The student also reportedly shared her location with a friend during the episode. On her insisting that she had to reach somewhere in Chandigarh, the coach drove her back to the city.The student approached the ICC with a formal complaint the following day. She has also submitted supporting material, including phone messages, as part of her complaint.The complaint remains under examination by the ICC, with the student’s allegations and supporting material submitted by her forming part of the proceedings. The coach’s response is also expected to be considered by the committee. The case is currently at the inquiry stage, and no finding has been reached so far.What happens after an ICC complaint?The Internal Complaints Committee receives and examines complaints of sexual harassment under the applicable law and university rules.The complainant can submit supporting material, including messages, documents and details of witnesses, where relevant.The committee gives the concerned parties an opportunity to present their respective accounts during the inquiry.
