In a prompt response highlighting concerns for student safety and due process, authorities at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore have removed Dr Santosh Kumar Nayak from his position as Head of the Department (HOD) of Odia following a formal complaint lodged by a female student.
The student submitted an allegation petition against Dr Nayak on April 6, 2026. The complaint reportedly reached the Principal’s chamber around 1:15 PM the same day, prompting immediate administrative attention.
According to an official letter dated April 7, 2026, from the Office of the Regional Director of Education, Balasore, Dr Nayak was relieved of his HOD responsibilities on April 6. The move aims to facilitate an “impartial probe” into the matter.
The Regional Director informed the Joint Secretary to the Government, Department of Higher Education, Odisha, that the college has constituted its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to conduct a thorough enquiry. The student has been directed to appear before the ICC, submit evidence, and support the investigation. The committee has been instructed to submit its report at the earliest.
The letter emphasises that the action was taken after the Regional Director interacted with the college Principal, who confirmed the removal and the handover of the case to the ICC. This swift intervention comes amid heightened sensitivity around student grievances in higher education institutions, especially in the wake of past incidents at the same college that drew widespread attention.
Dr. Santosh Kumar Nayak, an Assistant Professor in the Odia department, has been a faculty member at the institution. No details of the specific nature of the student’s allegations have been publicly disclosed in the official communication, maintaining confidentiality as per standard procedures.
Higher education officials have stressed the importance of upholding a safe academic environment. The development has sparked discussions on campus about the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms and the need for timely action on student complaints.
The Regional Director has requested necessary action from the state government while keeping all stakeholders informed. As the ICC begins its proceedings, the college community awaits the outcome of the enquiry, which is expected to bring clarity and resolution to the matter.
