Bhubaneswar: The principal of a degree college in Jagatsinghpur district was arrested on Friday after several women faculty members and staff accused him of sexual harassment, workplace misconduct, and making obscene remarks.
The district administration has also placed the accused under suspension pending an inquiry.
The accused, Dayanidhi Routray, principal of Swami Arupananda Degree College under the Raghunathpur police limits, was arrested after police received complaints from women employees alleging inappropriate behaviour. He was later produced before a local court.
According to reports, Routray allegedly made obscene and derogatory remarks against women employees and repeatedly harassed women faculty members and non-teaching staff, creating an intimidating atmosphere on the college campus.
The victims lodged a complaint with the Raghunathpur police on July 11, seeking criminal action against the principal. They also submitted a memorandum to the Jagatsinghpur Sub-Collector, demanding strict administrative action.
Acting on the complaints, the Jagatsinghpur district administration placed the principal under suspension while police launched an investigation into the allegations.
Police said the investigation is underway, and statements of the complainants and other witnesses are being recorded. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
