CUTTACK:The Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE) on Wednesday witnessed tumultuous scenes with students going on the rampage protesting inaction of authorities on an alleged sexual harassment of a girl student by a faculty member.
The students demanded immediate arrest of the faculty member, a senior instructor of the workshop, who had allegedly harassed a first-year mechanical engineering stream girl student in his chamber on March 30. The girl had reportedly sought leave as she felt unwell in class following which the instructor beckoned her to his chamber and allegedly misbehaved with her.
The students complained that though she had reported the incident to the Head of Department and the Principal, the authorities did not take any action and instead tried to cover it up by persuading her to remain silent.
With no action forthcoming even after two days, the students vented their ire damaging the workshop and other facilities in the institute. They also sat on strike demanding removal of the Principal for trying to shield the accused.
The victim girl has also filed a complaint with Mangalabag police station. A case has been registered but the instructor is absconding, IIC, Mangalabag Arun Swain said.
On the other hand, the college authorities said there was no attempt to cover up the incident. “A high-level committee comprising five senior teachers has been formed to enquire into the allegations. The committee will submit its report on Thursday. Besides, we have immediately written to the DTET for action against the accused instructor,” Principal PR Mohanty said.
Meanwhile, as the situation continued to be tense, armed police have been stationed on the campus to prevent any further flare up.