Bhubaneswar: A faculty member of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar was dismissed from service on Thursday following allegation of sexual harassment of girl students and massive protest at the college over the issue.
The action was taken against accused lecturer, identified as Satrughana Samal, on the basis of complaints lodged by aggrieved students, Principal Bijay Kumar Jena said, adding that over 12 girl students had lodged complaints against the accused faculty member.
Following the development, the accused faculty members was detained by the police for interrogation as part of investigation. Samal had reportedly joined the Drama Department of the college as a guest lecturer around six months ago, sources said.
Notably, widespread protest erupted on the campus earlier in the day after some female students accused the faculty member of indulging in harassment and inappropriate conduct.
It was alleged that the Samal harassed female students with suggestive remarks, inappropriate touch and physical contact. He was accused of making sexually suggestive remarks and offering favours.
When some girls complained about it, a large number of students hit the streets and staged a demonstration, disrupting traffic movement. The protesters blocked the road and demanded immediate action against the accused.
As the tense situation escalated, a team of senior officials from the Department of Culture visited the college campus in an effort to settle the issue, sources said. The three-member committee led by Special Secretary Deba Prasad Das held discussions with the agitating students as well as the college authorities.
The college authorities initiated action against the accused faculty member after the probe by the three-member team of officials.
