Sambalpur University suspended Dr Saroj Kumar Sahoo, Assistant Professor in the P.G. Department of Business Administration, after a female PhD scholar accused him of sexual harassment.
The Registrar issued the suspension order on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) reviewed the complaint and recommended that Dr Sahoo be relieved of all academic and administrative duties until the inquiry concludes.
During the suspension, Dr Sahoo will receive a subsistence allowance equal to his leave salary. However, he cannot enter university departments, administrative offices, or the central library without prior permission. He must remain at the office of the Chairman of the P.G. Council and cooperate fully with the ICC.
The university clarified that the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation. Officials stressed that the order does not imply guilt. The ICC will complete its inquiry under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The order cited Statute 299 of OUFS, 1990, and Rule 12(i) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1962, as the legal basis for suspension. The university directed all departments to cooperate with the ICC and emphasised confidentiality to protect the interests of all parties involved.
