Gay AMU teacher found dead, suicide suspected

ALIGARH - An Aligarh Muslim University professor, who was suspended on charges of “gross misconduct” on campus after he was filmed engaging in homosexual act with a rickshaw puller, was found dead in his home here, police said Wednesday.

The police have not ruled out suicide by the teacher. His body was lying on his bed and blood was oozing out of his mouth, the police said.

“S.R. Siras’s neighbours complained that stink was coming from his house. The university officials and the police then broke open the door and found his body,” Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police Vijay Prakash told IANS.

“Efforts are on to send the body for post-mortem examination,” he said.

Siras was suspended Feb 9 for having consensual gay sex with a rickshaw-puller at his official residence on the campus.

“Siras was found dead at his Marris Road home today. The door was locked from inside the house and police had to break open the door,” said AMU public relations officer Rahat Abrar, confirming the incident.

Siras was the chairman of the Modern Indian Languages department at the AMU and was to retire in September.

Three people posing as journalists installed secret cameras in Siras’ home and captured him on video having sex with a rickshaw puller. They sent the video clipping to the university administration.

The Allahabad High Court stayed the suspension April 1 and asked the university to file counter petition in four weeks.

Siras had refused to challenge the allegations against him. For weeks, the AMU campus was abuzz with what the staff said was the “embarrassing controversy”.