TV
The Principal and a mathematics lecturer of Swami Arupananda College in Kurtanga, Jagatsinghpur, have been suspended and booked under the POCSO Act following allegations of sexual harassment brought by a second-year science student.
Acting on the directive of the Jagatsinghpur District Collector, the Sub-Collector Prashant Kumar Tarai lodged a formal complaint at Jagatsinghpur Police Station.
The FIR, later transferred to Raghunathpur Police Station, under whose jurisdiction the college falls, names lecturer Shashwat Mahanti and Principal Ramesh Chandra Sahu. Both have since been suspended for suppressing and mishandling the complaint.
Allegations Ignored, Complaint Suppressed
According to the FIR, the student had submitted a written complaint to the Principal, alleging inappropriate behaviour by Mahanti.
However, the Principal allegedly failed to inform the college management committee, chaired by the Sub-Collector, and no formal inquiry was initiated. The matter remained buried until media reports exposed it, triggering widespread outrage.
Subsequent inquiries revealed that Mahanti allegedly attempted to resolve the matter internally, either through an apology or coercion, rather than facing disciplinary or legal action.
The Principal’s silence on the matter was seen as an attempt to shield the lecturer and protect the institution’s image at the cost of student safety.
Government Responds After Media Reports
Once the allegations were reported in the media, the Chief Minister’s grievance cell intervened, prompting immediate action.
The Collector ordered the suspension of both Mahanti and Sahu. The Sub-Collector, in his capacity as the committee chair, then filed the complaint, which led to the filing of a case under the POCSO Act at Raghunathpur Police Station.
Accused Absconding, Police on the Hunt
Both the lecturer and the Principal are currently untraceable, police sources said. Raghunathpur Police have launched a manhunt based on leads and are in the process of recording statements of the complainant and other staff.
No further comments could be received from the authorities, but police stated that more details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
