IIT Kanpur project engineer accuses colleague of physical assault, internal inquiry underway

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has issued an official statement in response to the sexual harassment case involving a woman engineer working on a cybersecurity project at the institute. IIT Kanpur has referred the case to C3iHub’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for investigation. The IIT Kanpur reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. The IIT Kanpur states that such allegations are taken seriously and addressed with due diligence and fairness.

A woman engineer working on a cybersecurity project at IIT Kanpur has accused her colleague, Shubham Malviya, a resident of Indore, of sexual harassment and assault under the pretext of marriage.

The victim, who hails from a northeastern state, alleged that Malviya initially befriended her to collaborate on the project and later sexually exploited her with false promises of marriage. When she confronted him about marriage, he allegedly threatened and physically assaulted her.

IIT Kanpur’s official statement

As per the official statement from IIT Kanpur, the matter has been referred to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of C3iHub, a Section 8 company, where both individuals involved are employed.

As per IIT Kanpur, the committee is conducting a thorough review, and appropriate action will be taken. "Appropriate actions will be taken based on the committee’s findings and in strict adherence to due process. We urge everyone to respect the privacy and dignity of those involved while the inquiry is ongoing," read the IIT Kanpur official statement.

The incident comes amid previous allegations of a similar nature at the institute, including a December 2024 case where a research scholar accused former ACP Mohsin Khan of sexual harassment.

IIT Kanpur Harassment Case: Police investigation

Following the victim’s complaint, an FIR has been registered against the accused at Kalyanpur police station under charges related to sexual harassment, and assault, as per Navbharat Times report.

According to a Navbharat Times report, the case was registered two days ago, and the victim underwent a medical examination on Wednesday. Her statements are scheduled to be recorded before a magistrate on Thursday.

Previous case of sexual harassment at IIT Kanpur

This is not the first instance of sexual harassment case at IIT Kanpur. In December 2024, a research scholar had accused former ACP Mohsin Khan, who was conducting research at the institute, of sexual harassment under similar circumstances.

On December 12, an FIR was filed against ACP Mohsin Khan at Kalyanpur police station for allegedly deceiving a woman into a sexual relationship under false pretenses. The victim, a cybercrime researcher, claimed Khan hid his marital status and falsely promised marriage. Following the complaint, Khan was removed from his post in Collectorganj and reassigned to the DGP headquarters in Lucknow. A Special Investigation Team, led by Additional DCP (Traffic) Archana Singh, has been formed to investigate the case.