Probe Flags Harassment of Two Women Scientists at HAU, Seeks External Inquiry Into One's Death

An inquiry report by the Divisional Commissioner, Hisar, into Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University affairs has uncovered disturbing findings regarding alleged harassment of two women scientists—Dr. Divya Phogat and Dr. Chhavi Sirohi—by university administration. The report recommends an external agency investigation into Dr. Phogat's death on October 27 last year.

Dr. Divya Phogat's Case

Dr. Phogat had submitted a complaint before her death, alleging certain university officers were responsible for her deteriorating medical condition. Her family claimed mental harassment led to her death during hospital treatment and lodged a police complaint.

The university informed the Commissioner that Dr. Divya was called personally, with her sister Dr. Sheetal Choudhary present, after which the matter was reportedly resolved. However, the Commissioner found serious inconsistencies in the university's handling of her complaint, leading to the recommendation for independent external probe.

Regarding international training, the university claimed a Departmental Advisory Committee recommendation didn't automatically entitle her to permission. However, the inquiry held her case was genuine, noting the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) carried national credibility and the assignment was purely academic. Instead, 56-year-old scientist Dr. OP Bishnoi, neither recommended by ICAR nor the department, was nominated in her place, violating eligibility norms favoring candidates below 40 years. The report also flagged unjustified actions in removing Dr. Divya as co-principal investigator from a DARE-approved project in September-October 2021. 

Dr. Chhavi Sirohi's Treatment

Dr. Sirohi, an MSc gold medalist and PhD first-rank holder, consistently received "outstanding" and "very good" ratings in self-appraisal reports from 2017-18 to 2021-22. However, in 2022-23, she was graded "below average" with "doubtful integrity." The report observed this sharp downgrade appeared unjustified, especially as she received an award during the same period and her earlier confidential reports reflected consistently high performance. Dr. Sirohi has participated in international forums, visiting Malaysia, Thailand, France, South Africa, China, and Canada with full funding for workshops and conferences.

The inquiry concluded the Vice-Chancellor, acting as accepting authority, exercised powers amounting to gross misuse of authority, causing serious prejudice to a meritorious scientist and irreparable damage to her professional career. It noted adverse remarks were selectively recorded and action initiated only against Dr. Sirohi, undermining fairness and the academic environment.