Bhubaneswar: The Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday terminated Satrugna Samal, a guest lecturer in the Department of Drama, following protests by students who accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
Students staged a road blockade in front of the college, disrupting vehicular traffic, demanding immediate action against Samal. They alleged that the lecturer had been harassing female students with sexual intent, making inappropriate physical contact, and offering better grades and opportunities in exchange for sexual favours.
Following the protest, college authorities promptly disengaged Samal from service. “Based on the serious allegations raised by students, we have terminated the services of guest faculty Satrugna Samal. Further legal action will be taken by the police,” Principal Bikash Jena told reporters.
An official order issued by the institution stated: “Satrugna Samal, guest lecturer, has been disengaged from his assignment on administrative grounds with immediate effect.”
Later, the accused lecturer has also been arrested by the police folloiwng a complaint lodged by the college authorities.
Samal had joined the Drama department as a guest faculty member in June this year. Taking cognisance of the matter, the Department of Culture has ordered a departmental inquiry. A three-member committee headed by Deba Prasad Das, Special Secretary, Department of Culture, has been constituted to conduct a detailed probe into the allegations.
