Balasore: The Internal Complaints Committee probing the allegations levelled by Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan College, against Head of Department (HOD) B.Ed Department Samir Kumar Sahu, revealed that the committee had recommended Sahu’s removal from his position as HOD, citing his harsh attitude towards students and failure to maintain a professional relationship.
According to the committee member, Soumyashree may have been mentally traumatised due to the principal’s inaction against Sahu, which could have led her to take the extreme step of ending her life by immolating herself.
Committee member Minati Sethy said, “Soumyashree was barred from appearing for her fourth-semester exams on June 30 by HOD Sahu. Following this incident, she filed a complaint with the college principal, alleging mental and sexual harassment by Sahu. An Internal Complaints Committee was formed on July 1 to investigate the matter, and it began its probe on July 3. By the evening of July 9, the committee had submitted its report to the principal.”
Upon being asked the veracity of mental and sexual harassment allegations against Sahu levelled by the deceased student, Sethy stated, “During the investigation, the committee spoke to students from Soumyashree’s class, who corroborated her allegations of mental harassment. They testified that Sahu was strict and often humiliated students, making them stand outside the classroom for 45 minutes if they were late. However, the committee did not find any direct evidence of sexual harassment.”
She further said, “The committee realised that Sahu’s behaviour was not isolated. Other students also testified to Sahu’s harsh attitude. Sahu was rude to every student in his department. Based on its findings, the committee recommended that Sahu be removed from his position as HOD. The committee also advised Sahu to change his behaviour and teach in a manner that suits the students’ mental state. However, the principal took no action, which the committee believes may have caused Soumyashree significant mental distress and ultimately led to her tragic decision to take her own life.”
