Odisha professor accused of sodomy suspended

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 1:

The assistant professor of Odisha University of Agricultural Technology (OUAT)’s Basic Science College, who was accused of sexual harassment by seven of his male students, has been suspended.

Even though the sexual harassment charge against him was not proven, the committee found sufficient evidence against the professor of facilitating cheating in examinations and beating them up for which he was suspended. The university will lodge an FIR with the police to investigate the sexual harassment angle.

“The professor has been put under suspension. The investigation couldn’t establish the sexual harassment allegation. This case would be handed over to the police for further investigation,” said Vice Chancellor of OUAT Manoranjan Kar.

The suspension has been done based on the recommendations of the three-member departmental investigation committee formed by the Vice Chancellor (VC) of OUAT. He had formed the committee after a sodomy allegation was brought by seven of the students against a Chemistry professor named Pradeep Jena of on April 8.

“If they (OUAT authorities) lodge an FIR, police would lodge a complaint and investigate the case. Depending on the evidence gathered during the investigation, appropriate action will be taken,” said Commissioner of Police RP Sharma.