Bhubaneswar: Alleging sexual harassment in the name of placements, students of Air Hostess and Hospitality Academy (AHHA) in Bhubaneswar today ransacked the institute and thrashed its officials. Irate students went berserk vandalizing the institute extensively and even thrashing the director of the institute along with other staff members.
As per the allegations, the students were being sent outside the State for jobs and there they were being sexually harassed. Moreover, the students also alleged that the institute was charging hefty sum in the name of course fee, however, they have failed to conduct the exams and provide the certificates.
“We were being told that in six months we will be placed in a reputed airline. 1 year has passed and neither have they given us placements nor have they conducted any exams. They have placed me at a company where I am not being paid. Moreover, there girls are being sent to hotels where they are sexually harassed,” said an agitating student of the institute. We are being told that you have to compromise for your career, she added.
“We were told lies and sent to Hyderabad where we were sexually harassed. The team leaders there asked for sexual favors for the betterment of our careers,” alleged another student stating further that when we used to call AHA authorities here they used to suggest that you have to compromise and there is no other way.
On the other hand, the director of the institute has refuted the charges of sexual harassment.
“While thousands of students have graduated from this institute and hundreds of students have been placed; only these ten students are protesting. We have placed them but they are leaving the job citing various reasons like sexual harassment and others,” said Dilip Routray, the director of the academy.
Meanwhile, the AHA authorities have registered a police case against the students and the students have also filed an counter FIR against the academy officials.
“Earlier we received complaint from the students that they were not being given certificates and not sexual harassment charges were made. However, in case we receive a complaint of sexual harassment, we will investigate the matter and action will be taken against the culprit,” said DCP Satyabrata Bhoi.
Notably, AHA was established in Bhubaneswar in 2008.