Odisha professor accused of sodomy on the run; but probe to go on

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 11:

The assistant professor of the OUAT’s Basic Science College in the Odisha capital, accused of sexually exploiting seven of his male students, is on the run.

Notwithstanding his fleeing, however, the three-member investigation committee of the university has decided to go ahead with the investigation. They will call the students who have been victimised and faculty members between April 13 to 15 as part of the probe, sources said.

The cooperation of the accused professor, however, remains a concern. The vice-chancellor has confirmed that he is indeed on the run and his phone is switched off.

A professor for over 15 years at the college, he was also the chief controller of examination, advisor to the students’ union and played an important role while choosing guests for functions in the university. A

The proximity of the professor to some local ruling party MLAs and ministers also casts doubts about the sincerity of the probe since most don’t want to take on such a powerful man.

The victim students, however, have threatened to approach the police, if justice is not delivered.

The overall atmosphere in the university remains tense. Some of the students yesterday approached the Director demanding the ouster of the professor.

“It is a very unfortunate event. I have tried to contact him many times over, but have not been successful. We have formed a committee with three senior members of the institute. The truth will come to fore after we speak to both the accused professor and victim students,” said the Vice Chancellor Manoranjan Kar.