Burla: The authorities of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, have suspended two professors after an inquiry into alleged misconduct.
Those suspended are Prof Debabrata Dhupal of the Department of Production Engineering and Associate Professor Dr Mahendra Jena from the Department of Mathematics.
According to sources, Dhupal was accused of misconduct with a female colleague, who was working in the institute on a temporary basis. Dr Jena, on the other hand, faced allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a female research scholar. He was her PhD guide.
The complaints were filed at different times in the past. However, in both cases, the accused professors failed to appear before the Board of Management of the institute to present their case. One of them claimed to be ill.
Both professors were suspended as part of the disciplinary action against them on Thursday. The Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar have declined to comment on the matter.
These actions assume significance against the recent death of a 20-year-old female student of FM College in Balasore by self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment by her HoD and institutional neglect.