The Allegations surrounding Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) and its founder Yubaraj Sangroula represents a critical moment for Nepal’s educational institutions. What began as one student’s allegation on social media has evolved into a broader examination of power dynamics, institutional accountability, and the lingering effects of traditional hierarchies in academic settings.
How It Began
On March 8, International Women’s Day a student from Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) broke her silence and ignited a firestorm. In an Instagram post that has now been shared over 6,000 times, Sandhya Gautam publicly accused KSL’s executive director and former attorney general, Yubaraj Sangroula, of repeated acts of sexual misconduct. Her words were raw, direct, and heartbreaking.
“Months since I submitted an application urging you to investigate… and yet, your silence remains.”
Allegations Extend Beyond Sangroula
The accusations are not limited to Yubaraj Sangroula alone. In her frequent Instagram posts and stories, Sandhya Gautam has called out the silence of senior faculty members and administrators, including Yugicha Sangroula, Swokeshya Sangroula, and Geeta Pathak Sangroula. She has criticized their long-standing inaction in addressing sexual harassment and discrimination complaints, arguing that they have repeatedly failed to support victims over the years.
Growing Testimonies and Systemic Concerns
Gautam revealed that she had filed a sexual harassment complaint at KSL in December 2024, but claims the college administration remained silent for three months. She specifically named the institution’s executive director and former Attorney General Yubaraj Sangroula as responsible for misconduct against women and gender minorities. Her post has sparked widespread discussions, leading hundreds of current and former students—especially women and queer individuals—to share their own experiences, exposing what many had silently endured for years: a culture of fear, intimidation, and systemic abuse within KSL.
Gautam’s Efforts to Amplify Victims’ Voices
Gautam has also shared anonymous accounts from the NGL chat platform, where numerous students described their own troubling experiences at KSL. Although these messages have yet to be independently verified, their consistency and volume have raised serious concerns about the institution’s failure to protect students. Determined to be a voice for those who fear speaking out, Gautam claims to have gathered evidence and testimonies from multiple victims. She has also challenged senior students and alumni, questioning why they remained silent despite knowing the truth for years. opinion updates
she said she doesn’t believe in the justice system anymore. In her words, “The verdict is given even before the case begins.” And so, she says, she will fight not for a day, a week, but for 365 days, every day, until something changes.
When asked why she doesn’t pursue legal remedies
In the comments of the post Students from marginalized backgrounds, women, and queer individuals have shared stories of being bullied, mocked, and harassed. Some have dropped out. Others have lived in fear of retaliation. Students say if you speak up, you risk your grades, your future, your peace of mind.
KSL’s Institutional Defense
KSL issued a statement reaffirming its “zero-tolerance policy” against discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. In response to the wave of allegations, the institution released a press statement defending its integrity, highlighting its long-standing commitment to legal education, human rights, and inclusivity—particularly concerning LGBTIQA++ rights. According to KSL, the accusations, which stem from a single individual, have unfairly harmed its reputation and morale. The college asserts that an internal complaints committee was activated upon receiving the complaint and that an independent investigation committee is being formed to ensure due process.
Yubaraj Sangroula’s Personal Response
At a Sunday press meet, Yubaraj Sangroula addressed the allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing. He characterized the accusations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and the institution’s credibility. He expressed frustration over the controversy, stating that it had caused distress to his family and amounted to “mental torture.” Sangroula urged those with grievances to approach official investigative bodies rather than social media, arguing that false accusations were being weaponized against him. He also dismissed specific allegations—such as claims that students had massaged his head—stating that only his wife had ever done so during a period of pain years ago.
Formation of an Investigation Committee
KSL announced the creation of an “independent” investigation committee, headed by former district judge Shrikrishna Bhattarai, with senior journalist Tirtha Koirala and gender discrimination expert Seema Dhami as members. The committee plans to submit its findings within 15 days, but former students remain skeptical, questioning whether a potentially biased investigation can truly deliver justice especially since officials have not formally suspended the accused during the inquiry. KSL Updates
The Alumni Mobilization
This issue gained momentum when former students organized and released solidarity statements.
Alumnis had signed a public statement with their names disclosed, while some signed anonymously, all expressing solidarity with the students who had come forward. The statement emphasized that demeaning behavior, harassment, and sexual comments, as well as expressions and behaviors against sexual and gender minorities, cannot be acceptable in any institution.
While over 100 students have participated in a survey following the allegations many indicating experiences of verbal harassment at KSL it is also important to acknowledge the complexity of interpretation in such environments.
In the recent press meet, Yubaraj Sangroula appeared to frame some of the accusations as misunderstandings, likening his conduct to that of a parent guiding a child. He suggested that people may have misread certain statements made in the classroom or informal settings as harassment, even though he intended them as mentorship or academic guidance.
However, this defense has raised further questions: can paternalistic teaching styles justify language or behavior that students particularly those from marginalized communities perceive as demeaning or discriminatory? Although people can misinterpret interactions, the numerous testimonies and collective statements from alumni reveal a pattern that goes beyond simple misunderstanding.
The Broader Context
In today’s age, social media serves as a parallel courtroom, where people deliver public verdicts without due process and media trials override legal procedures. We must check this trend, especially when courts and investigative authorities exist to uphold justice.
But in the same breath, we must also ask:
why is the girl still active on her account 24/7, repeatedly demanding justice? What does this say about the state of our institutions, when a young woman feels safer turning to the internet than the justice system itself? We must shift our focus from protecting the prestige of one institution or individual to ensuring the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of someone who has dared to speak up.
Ongoing Ceasefire Talks in Qatar
Hamas and Israel have resumed ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, with discussions taking place without preconditions. Despite ongoing military operations, Hamas remains committed to making the negotiations successful. Meanwhile, Israel has cautioned that its military offensive will continue if talks do not progress.
Trump’s Influence on the Ceasefire Discourse
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has played a role in shaping the conversation around the ceasefire. During his recent visit to the Middle East, he acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for aid. His presence in the region has added pressure to the negotiations, with analysts suggesting that his return to the political stage has influenced the ongoing discussions.
Challenges and Future Prospects for a Resolution
The situation remains fluid as international pressure mounts for a resolution. While ongoing discussions in Qatar signal potential progress, the prospect of a lasting ceasefire depends on complex negotiations, humanitarian concerns, and geopolitical dynamics. As both sides navigate these challenges, the world watches closely for any breakthrough that could lead to long-term stability.
Why Nepal’s MaPaSe Drink-Driving Tests Called Unscientific 
Power of Opinions Why They Matter Daily 
Teachers’ Demands Cannot Be Addressed in Budget Session 
Gagan Thapa on Kulman Ministers Should Focus on What Matters 
Forget Murder, I Haven’t Even Slapped Anyone: Prachanda 
Nepal Government to Ban Facebook, X, Instagram?