Andhra University has denied allegations of caste discrimination and harassment levelled by Yadala Pravin Kumar, a doctoral fellow at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair of the university, even as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) sought reports from the university and the police on the issue.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the university said media reports alleging harassment of the Dalit researcher were based on one-sided information and distorted facts. It maintained that no caste discrimination, harassment or discriminatory action had occurred on the campus.

The university clarified that fellowship dues up to March had been cleared and attributed the delay in April payments to the late release of grants. It said salaries were being paid from internal funds despite pending grants from the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF).

Registrar K. Rambabu told The Hindu that the university had already submitted its response to the commission along with supporting documents.

The authorities said all staff at the research centres were treated equally and reiterated the institution’s commitment to student welfare, equality and social justice. They added that grievance redressal and anti-ragging mechanisms were functioning effectively on the campus.