KU suspends Assistant Professor over ‘defamatory content’

Srinagar, Dec 22: In the latest development, an Assistant Professor of the University of Kashmir (KU) has been put under suspension in connection with the registration of an FIR at Police Station Nigeen, Hazratbal.

As per the official order issued by the Deputy Registrar (Administration), KU, Altaf Ahmad Ganie has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

“Pending inquiry, Altaf Ahmad Ganie, Assistant Professor, Department of Kashmiri, is hereby placed under suspension, with immediate effect, in terms of University statute 3.16 (2) read with Regulation 12(3) (IV),” reads the KU order.

As per the order, the Assistant Professor will remain attached to the office of the Dean Research “during the period of suspension.”

The Assistant Professor was suspended by the varsity administration for circulating a defamatory message to malign the image of the university official and the faculty member as well.

Following the circulation of the defamatory message, the KU faculty member registered a formal complaint at Police Station Nigeen against Assistant Professor of the Department of Kashmiri, Shafqat Altaf.

“As reported by SDPO Zakura, on December 9, 2025, Police Station Nigeen received an application through electronic mode submitted by a female faculty member (name withheld) wherein the applicant has stated that alleged accused persons Shafqat Altaf (Assistant Professor, Department of Kashmiri, KU) and Farooq Ahmad Malik (Assistant Professor, Higher Education Department, Government Degree College, Anantnag) have circulated false, defamatory, and obscene content about her on various social media platforms,” reads an official communication issued by Superintendent of Police (SP) Hazratbal, addressed to Chief Proctor of KU.

It reads that the material was allegedly shared intentionally with the aim of “damaging her reputation and outraging her modesty as a woman. As a result of this, she has been feeling threatened and intimidated.”

On this basis, the official communication reads that case FIR No 108/2025 U/S 79, 351(2), 356(2) of BNS, read with 67 IT Act was registered at Police Station Nigeen.

“A copy of the FIR in the instant matter is herewith enclosed for information and further course of action at your end,” the official communication reads.

Following the registration of FIR, the Assistant Professor of the Department of Kashmiri at KU has been put under suspension.

Meanwhile, the KU faculty has appreciated the J&K Police and the KU administration for their prompt action in this case.

“Police have taken prompt action, and the varsity administration has also initiated action which is in the interest of the university,” a KU official said.

The KU official said that the KU Vice Chancellor has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct and actions aimed at maligning the image of the university.

“She has already warned all university staff to refrain from any conduct that is in contravention of the rules and regulations of the varsity,” the KU official said.

The official said that with reference to the present case, the VC has ensured that the dignity of female employees remains the primary concern of the varsity.