Odisha university professor suspended following allegations of molesting student

Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: An associate professor from Utkal University in Odisha's capital was suspended today following allegations of molestation by a female student. The suspension was based on a report from the university's internal complaints committee, which was submitted to the vice-chancellor.

The accused, a faculty member in the Economics department, has been instructed not to leave the university premises without the vice-chancellor's permission.

The postgraduate student reported that on August 16, she visited the professor's office to collect some books when he allegedly subjected her to sexual harassment. She also claimed that he threatened her to keep the incident confidential.

Initially, the victim's complaint to the university's Sexual Harassment Cell did not prompt any action. As a result, the internal complaints committee was tasked with investigating the matter and providing a report to the vice-chancellor.

In response to the incident, a human rights activist has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), requesting intervention and action.