Kohima: Students and research scholars from Nagaland University, Lumami, gathered at the Zunheboto District Court Complex on September 22. They stood in solidarity with a colleague during the third hearing of a case involving Dr. Sarat Chandra Yenisetti, a former Zoology professor. The court adjourned the matter again, leaving the crowd frustrated.
The incident stems from a November 25, 2024, conference and social work activity. Research scholar Rita Chhetri alleged that Dr. Sarat ordered a student to strip. An altercation followed when the complainant intervened. Chhetri claimed the professor used abusive language, requiring the Head of Department and other students to de-escalate the situation before police removed the professor from the scene.
Roughly 90 to 100 students showed up to protest. They chanted for justice outside the courthouse. NUSUL General Secretary Mariam CM highlighted the difficulty of repeated delays, noting that eyewitnesses have since graduated and moved on. "We also have our own work. Moreover, all the eyewitnesses, there are no more students here," Mariam said. The union remains worried about campus security should the accused return before the case settles.
Assistant General Secretary Alemwangshi Longkumer described the ongoing legal wait as stressful. He insists the university must address this to protect its reputation. The next hearing is tentatively set for October 3. While the students push for a quick resolution, the allegations remain under review and are not yet proven in court.
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