Assam University suspends teacher accused of sexual harassment

A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Amid much protest by the students, the Assam University authority on Wednesday finally suspended Professor Ajit Kumar Jena, who was accused of sexual harassment towards a number of his female students. Pradosh Kiran Nath, the Registrar of the University, confirmed that Jena, who could not be contacted, had been put under suspension. On the other hand, the Cachar Police Superintendent Numol Mahatta informed that Jena was absconding since the FIR, filed by three female students of the Social Work Department accusing the teacher of sexual harassment and intimidation, was registered.

Students of the Assam University had launched their agitation last Sunday after three female students lodged a complaint against Assistant Professor Ajit Kumar Jena. On the following day, the complaint was formally registered by the district police. On the other hand, the University authority, on the basis of the report submitted by the Internal Complaint Committee, put Jena on one month forced leave and even debarred his entry in the campus. Since then, Jena has remained untraceable and his mobile phone switched off.

On Wednesday, the agitated students assembled at the front gate of the campus and raised slogans against the authority for their failure in apprehending the accused teacher. Professor Rajive Mohan Pant, the Vice-Chancellor tried to pacify the students, but they in clear terms, said that Jena was trying to put political pressure to avoid any legal or administrative step against him. Students alleged that police were totally indifferent in appending Jena who reportedly boasted of having ‘high connection’ in the ruling party hierarchy.

Meanwhile, Professor Jena in an email to the Vice-Chancellor alleged that he was being targeted by his colleagues, especially the Head of the Social Work department since he belongs to the Dalit community. Registrar Nath hinted that a separate committee would be formed to look into the allegation Jena had made.

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