Virgin girls are like 'sealed bottles': Sexist Kolkata professor barred from campus

The Jadavpur University professor who said on Facebook that virgin girls are like "sealed bottles" has been divested of his teaching duties and barred from the campus with immediate effect, pending enquiries against him.  

University Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das told reporters that Prof Kanak Sarkar's comment was akin to "blackening the face of the institution and the entire teaching community".

"In view of the recommendation of the department of International Relations Prof Kanak Sarkar is divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect. Substitute arrangements will be decided in the meeting of the Board of Studies on January 18," a statement from the university said. 

Das said Sarkar would not be allowed to take classes or enter the university campus until the enquiries by a university-appointed committee, the West Bengal Women's Commission, and the National Women's Commission were over.

Sarkar had on Sunday said on Facebook that "virgin girls" are like "sealed bottles". The post was later deleted. 

In his post, Sarkar went on to ask whether men would buy a bottle of water or a packet of biscuits with a broken seal? 

Sarkar's post was headlined "Virgin Bride - Why Not? (Value oriented social counselling for educated youth." 

Sarkar's comments were met by a massive public outcry. 

Sarkar defended himself saying his opinions were "personal". 

"I write my personal opinion. Supreme Court has repealed section 66A of IT Act and given freedom of expression in Social Media... Feminists also abuse men and patriarchy in seminar and Media," he wrote in one of his posts.

"It's everybody's right to express his /her thoughts. I have given many posts for and in favour of women. Can verify them in my Timeline," Sarkar added.

The National Commission for Women however took suo motu cognisance of his "shocking misogynistic" comments.