Bhubaneswar: The governing body of a govt-aided private degree college in Bargarh district suspended an economics lecturer on Friday for allegedly sending sexually offensive messages to three female students.
The accused teacher was identified as Biranchi Sahu. The matter came to light after an intermediate and two graduate female students filed a complaint with the college administration and several of them protested in front of the institute, demanding action against the teacher on Tuesday. The purported text messages are being circulated on social media.
In a media briefing, Sahu said, “The girls were warned twice for roaming with boys after class. Their parents told me to keep note of their activities and advise them to focus on studies. I just texted for an undertaking. I don’t know anything about such messages.”
College principal, Lalit M Panda, said the internal committee formed earlier started its investigation on the same day. After the report of the internal complaint committee, which included the report of the local police station’s inspector, was submitted on Thursday evening, the governing body decided to suspend Sahu. “We have sought further approval from the department of higher education on his suspension and follow-up action.”
Agitating students ended the strike after the college administration and police intervened and promised action.