SAMBALPUR: The authorities of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) at Burla have suspended associate professor Jayaprakash Parmguru of the department of Humanities on charges of reporting to work in an intoxicated state and poor attendance.
According to the suspension letter issued by the registrar of VSSUT on Tuesday, Parmguru was frequently coming to the office under the influence of alcohol, neglecting his teaching duties, and even sleeping in the classroom in an inebriated state. As part of the suspension terms, he will not be allowed to take classes but is required to report to the department everyday, except on holidays. He must mark his attendance twice daily using the biometric system. Besides, Parmguru has been prohibited from taking leave without the prior approval of VSSUT vice-chancellor Deepak Kumar Sahoo.
Sources said the suspension order came after several female colleagues lodged complaints against the associate professor accusing him of coming to the department drunk. Basing on the complaints, the university launched an internal investigation to verify the claims.
The suspension will remain in effect until the inquiry is completed. A VSSUT representative said, “A thorough and fair investigation will be conducted to ensure the integrity of our academic environment.”
Despite repeated attempts, Paramguru could not be reached for his comment on the issue.