TV
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) Coordinator Jayashree Mishra on Tuesday stated that the FM College, Balasore student whose death has sparked widespread concern, was 'an asset to the college'.
The Coordinator revealed that a formal letter had been submitted to the college Principal requesting a change in the Head of Department (HOD), Sameer Sir (Sameer Ranjan Sahoo).
Following the allegations linked to her death, the ICC launched an inquiry. Based on the complaints received, the committee submitted its report on the night of the 9th of the month. The ICC Coordinator stated that the committee fulfilled its duties as per protocol.
ICC member Meenati Sethy stated that she had made an allegation involving the HOD asking for favour, implying sexual harassment, though no direct evidence was available.
The committee reportedly interviewed around 60 students from the department to collect testimonies about the HoD's behavior. However, none of the other students confirmed similar allegations.
According to ICC members, given the situation, they wrote for the 'good conduct' of the HoD and recommended his immediate transfer from the department. The recommendation was made both in writing and verbally to the college authorities.
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"After completing the investigation, ICC submits the report to the college authorities. Then it is the responsibility of the higher authorities to take necessary actions. ICC doesn't intervene in the matter anymore. Now, the authorities will tell about the investigation. The government is also investigating the incident, and various committees have also been formed. It will not be right on our part to say anything about the investigation now," said Coordinator Jayashree Mishra.
"We are deeply saddened by the incident. She was a student of our college. We had counselled her positively. She was a talented girl and an asset to our college. We have tried to make her understand. Based on the facts, we had recommended the Principal for the immediate transfer of Sameer Sir from his position and take immediate action on the report," she added.
