The principal and a lecturer of a private degree college in Balia, Jajpur, have been suspended following an alleged rape attempt on a third-year student.
The student claimed that the lecturer, Bidhyadhar Dhal, attempted to sexually assault her in a classroom under the pretext of giving her more marks in examinations.
The college principal, Sudhir Kumar Rout, allegedly pressured her to settle the matter amicably. Both Dhal and Rout have been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings and are reportedly absconding.
In an official order, Jajpur sub-collector and president of the college governing body Ansuman Satpathy said Dhal and Rout were placed under suspension with immediate effect pending withdrawal of disciplinary proceedings against them. Rout was suspended for negligence in duty.
The headquarters of Dhal and Rout has been fixed at G C College, Bari during the period of their suspension. They shall not leave the headquarters without obtaining prior permission of the competent authority.
