TV
A female lecturer at Sri Sri Dhabaleswar College in Athagarh of Cuttack district has publicly accused the college principal of harassment, citing delays in justice on Monday. The lecturer claimed to have reported the matter to the Chief Minister earlier this year without any resolution as of today.
However, the principal has refuted the accusations.
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According to sources, a serious allegation of harassment has surfaced at Sri Sri Dhabaleswar College, where a female lecturer accused the college principal of mental harassment and misconduct. Frustrated by the inaction, she has now become vocal about her complaint before the media, seeking justice.
Allegedly, the harassment began months ago, and the female lecturer had formally lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister of Odisha on January 20. However, no effective action has been taken since then, prompting her to speak out publicly.
The woman described the continued delay in getting justice as something unbearable and has demanded immediate intervention. The lecturer emphasised that she stands by her allegations and is prepared to fight for justice.
In response, the principal has denied all charges, claiming that he is being deliberately defamed. He stated that he is fully cooperating with all ongoing investigations and believes the accusations are part of a targeted campaign against him.
Tensions escalated when the principal reportedly warned that if justice is not served in his favour, he may resort to self-immolation in front of the college, turning the dispute into a high-stakes standoff.
The situation has drawn attention to the administrative functioning of the institution and the urgent need for a transparent and fair inquiry.
“I want justice. I had brought allegations of sexual and mental harassment along with all the proof. My salary and increment were also stopped. The harassment started in 2021 and was increased from December 2023 onwards,” the woman stated.
“I have already brought it to the knowledge of District Collector, Athagarh Sub-Collector, Higher Education Department, Rural SP-Cuttack, and Gurudijhatia Police Station Inspector-in-Charge (IIC),” the woman said to mediapersons.
Reacting to this, the principal Ashok Samantaray said, “Sexual harassment allegation is being raised from time to time by the woman against me because of my strict administration. I would have been a good principal, had I relaxed my strict regulations.”
“The lecturer wants me transferred so that she will have ‘a monopoly’ and will act as she wishes. Since she has the ‘weapon’ (option) with her, she is framing sexual harassment allegations. I am being mentally hurt due to this,” the principal added.
