Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur University on Friday suspended Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahoo, Assistant Professor in the P.G. Department of Business Administration, following allegations of sexual harassment by a female PhD scholar.
The suspension order was issued by the Registrar on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. According to the order, the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) had conducted a preliminary review of the complaint and recommended that Dr. Sahoo be relieved of all academic and administrative duties pending a full inquiry.
“Whereas the matter is under examination by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Sambalpur University, and it has recommended withdrawing Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahoo from all academic and administrative duties…,” the order stated.
During the suspension period, Dr. Sahoo will receive a subsistence allowance equivalent to his leave salary but is barred from entering any university department, administrative office, or the central library without prior permission. He has also been directed to remain at the office of the Chairman of the P.G. Council and cooperate fully with the ongoing inquiry.
The university clarified that the suspension is a precautionary administrative measure to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation and does not imply any determination of guilt.
The ICC is expected to complete its inquiry following the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Statute 299 of OUFS, 1990, read with Rule 12 (i) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1962, Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahoo, Assistant Professor (S-III), P.G. Department of Business Administration, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending completion of the inquiry,” the university’s order read.
The university has asked all departments to extend full cooperation to the ICC during the inquiry, and stressed that the matter is being treated with utmost confidentiality to protect the interests of all parties involved.
