Cuttack: A serious allegation of sexual harassment and casteist remarks has surfaced against the principal of a college in the Gurudijhatia area of Odisha's Cuttack district. The complaint was filed by a woman lecturer, who claims that not only she but several other female faculty members have also been subjected to similar treatment.

The lecturer initially lodged a complaint against the principal at Gurudijhatia police station on September 10, 2024. However, the IIC allegedly refused to register the FIR. She later approached the SP on October 11, and the matter was registered on the Janasunani Portal on October 12. Shockingly, the case was disposed of just eight days later, on October 20.

Disappointed by the lack of action, the woman took the matter to court. The court then directed the police to register a case. Following the court’s order, police finally registered the case on November 30, 2024, under charges related to workplace sexual harassment.

The investigation was handed over to Choudwar SDPO. However, even after seven months, the complainant has alleged that she has not been provided a copy of the FIR, and no visible action has been taken against the accused principal.

The woman has approached the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking a proper investigation.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Department had also launched an internal inquiry through a three-member committee based on the woman's complaint. Although the inquiry recommended transferring the accused principal to a college in Aska, he reportedly continues to hold the post.

Speaking to reporters, the SDPO said action will be taken if preliminary evidence is found during the course of the investigation.