Mental Harassment Allegation: Sambalpur Varsity Suspends Teacher Till Completion Of Probe

Sambalpur: The political science department’s assistant professor, accused of mental harassment by a female colleague, at Sambalpur University has been suspended till completion of the investigation into the allegations. 

The order was passed by Registrar Nruparaj Sahu on the direction of Vice-Chancellor B B Mishra, sources said on Sunday.

In a complaint addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, the woman assistant professor alleged that her male colleague, Rajat Kujur, had been mentally harassing her for no reason since 2016. She also accused him of coming to the department in an inebriated condition during office hours. “Kujur, who allegedly comes drunk even during office hours, also claimed she was incapable. Kujur also made harsh remarks about her over repair of an AC in his office chamber recently,” she alleged.

She further claimed that the department was running smoothly when Kujur was under suspension and added that she felt unsafe to work in such an environment in the department.

Official sources said Kujur was suspended in May over an alleged dispute with a student that had taken place around five years back. His suspension was revoked recently.

Vice-Chancellor B B Mishra had earlier said the matter has been referred to the internal complaints committee of the university, comprising nine members. Strict action will be initiated if the allegations are found to be true, he said

The Registrar added that action will be initiated on the recommendation of the committee, which will meet on August 28.