KU Scientist Arrested in Sexual Assault, Cheating Case; Suspended by University

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against a scientist of the University of Kashmir on charges of sexual assault, cheating and criminal intimidation after a woman accused him of exploiting her for several years on the pretext of marriage.

News agency JKNS quoted a senior police official as saying that the accused has been arrested following the registration of an FIR based on the complainant’s statement.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly entered into a relationship with the woman in 2018 after assuring her of marriage. The complainant alleged that relying on this assurance, the accused repeatedly established physical relations with her over the years.

The FIR further states that the accused allegedly induced the woman to provide financial assistance on multiple occasions. She claimed that he persuaded her to sell her land in Budgam and hand over the sale proceeds to him.

The complainant also alleged that he convinced her to sell her gold jewellery, obtain loans, including a gold loan from a bank, and arrange cash on various pretexts such as medical emergencies and construction-related expenses.

She further alleged that she became pregnant multiple times during the relationship and was compelled by the accused to undergo abortions.

According to the complaint, the accused later began distancing himself from her and eventually refused to marry her, which the woman described as evidence of fraudulent intent from the beginning.

The FIR also mentions allegations that the accused threatened to circulate her private photographs on social media and issued threats to her life and to members of her family if she approached the authorities.

As per the complaint, the latest alleged incident took place on March 23, 2026, at the University of Kashmir campus.

Police have registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation into the allegations.

Meanwhile, the University of Kashmir has placed the accused employee under suspension with immediate effect.

An order issued by the university’s Teaching Section, reads, “Whereas, Sajad Mohammed Khan, Scientist-C, Department of Computer Science, has been arrested in connection with FIR No. 11/2026 lodged at Women’s Police Station Rambagh.”

“Now, therefore, in terms of Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, and in view of his detention in custody, Mr. Sajad Mohammed Khan, Scientist-C, Department of Computer Science, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect,” the order reads.