CUTTACK: An Assistant Professor of Chemistry department of Ravenshaw University has been suspended by Vice-Chancellor Prakash Chandra Sarangi after a girl student levelled sexual harassment charges against him on Saturday.
Sarangi suspended Assistant Professor Alekh Kumar Sutar immediately after receiving the complaint. A show cause notice has also been issued to him in the alleged case. Sutar has also been directed not to leave the headquarters without VC’s permission.
During the period of suspension, Sutar’s headquarters will be Registrar’s office and he will be entitled to payment of subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 90 of Orissa Service Code.
“The Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) of the university has been directed to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report to varsity authorities,” said VC Sarangi, adding that the committee would begin its probe from Monday. Further action will be initiated basing on the report of GSCASH, Sarangi added.
The victim, a Plus Three first year Science student, alleged that Sutar had been harassing her mentally and sexually by making lewd remarks on the campus. “I was compelled to file complaint against him when his behaviour became intolerable,” the victim said.
Meanwhile, GSCASH Chairperson Dr Smruti Prabha Dash said the Assistant Professor and the victim have been summoned by the committee on Monday for inquiry.
“We are trying our best for a transparent probe and submit an inquiry report as soon as possible,” she said.