Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Sept 16: A postgraduate student at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar has accused a senior professor of sexual harassment. The student filed a complaint with the university’s sexual harassment cell, alleging that the incident occurred in the professor’s chamber on August 16.
University sources confirmed that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been tasked with investigating the allegation against the professor. The committee is expected to submit its report to university authorities on Tuesday.
The incident has sparked outrage among students, and a rights activist has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking action. The NHRC has acknowledged receipt of the complaint.
The petitioner claims that the senior Economics Professor molested the student in his office and that the university has not taken action despite the complaint. The petitioner also alleges that the victim has faced threats to withdraw her complaint and argues that her rights to life, dignity, and bodily autonomy, as guaranteed by Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Indian Constitution, have been severely violated.
