Sambalpur University Suspends Professor Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Sambalpur University has suspended Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahoo, Assistant Professor in the P.G. Department of Business Administration, following allegations of sexual harassment made by a female PhD scholar.

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) conducted a preliminary review and recommended his removal from academic and administrative duties until a full inquiry is completed.

Under the suspension order, Dr Sahoo will receive a subsistence allowance equivalent to his leave salary but is barred from entering university departments, offices, or the central library without prior permission.

He must remain available at the office of the Chairman of the P.G. Council and cooperate with the inquiry process.

University authorities clarified that the suspension is a precautionary measure, not a declaration of guilt, and emphasized that the investigation will follow the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, along with relevant university statutes and civil service rules.

The administration also stressed confidentiality and directed all departments to extend full cooperation to the ICC to ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry.