Two VSSUT professors suspended in one day on charges of misconduct

In two separate incidents, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, suspended two professors on Friday on charges of misconduct following investigations.

Those suspended are Professor Debabrata Dhupal from the Department of Production Engineering and Associate Professor Dr Mahendra Jena from the Department of Mathematics.

According to reports,  Dhupal was suspended in connection with allegations of misconduct involving a temporary female co-worker. 

In a separate case, Dr Jena, who was the PhD guide of a female research scholar, was suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards her.

Both complaints had been filed at different times in the past. However, in both cases, the accused professors failed to present their defence before the Board of Management. 

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As per sources, one of the professors didn't present his defence by claiming that he was ill. However, it is yet to be ascertained whether the professor was actually ill or if he wanted to avoid it.

Both professors were suspended as part of the disciplinary action against them.

While the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar declined to comment on the matter. No statements have yet been received from the suspended professors.