Demand for sexual favors in exchange for better grades, students angry; Lecturer was arrested

Odisha A guest lecturer of a leading government institute in Bhubaneswar was arrested by the police on Thursday for sexually harassing a minor student. After the incident came to light, huge protest was seen from the students in the college campus. The students blocked the road and demanded strict action against the accused, after which the institute administration terminated the services of the accused guest lecturer with immediate effect.

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The students alleged that the accused had been harassing the girl students for a long time and was demanding sexual relations in exchange for better grades. In view of the increasing pressure of the case, the state government has also constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations.

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protesters took to the streets

Protests by students had started on the campus just hours before the arrest. The students held placards in their hands and demanded immediate action against the accused. He said that the teacher was continuously harassing the girl students mentally and physically, but the institute administration did not take timely action. Students alleged that he demanded sexual favors in exchange for better marks and higher grades in internal assessments, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity on the campus.

Joined the institute in June

According to officials, the accused teacher had joined the institute as a guest lecturer in June this year. At that time, the appointment process of regular teacher was going on, hence he was appointed temporarily. Taking the matter seriously, the state culture department has constituted a three-member committee to investigate, which will submit its report soon.

Officials assured students

A senior government official said that complete security and confidentiality will be ensured to the students. “Students have been told that they can raise their complaints against the teacher ‘before the Internal Complaints Committee, the Principal or the Culture Department without any fear,’ the official said. He clarified that no student should hesitate in filing a complaint because the administration stands with them.

Case registered under many sections including POCSO

On the written complaint of the principal of the institute, the police started action against the accused. Police said that the accused has been arrested under several serious sections including the POCSO Act. According to the police, he has been arrested under the POCSO Act, Section 74, Section 79 (insulting the dignity of women) and Section 296 (obscene acts and songs) of the BNS. At present the accused will be presented in the court and further legal process will be initiated.