Sambalpur: A major controversy has erupted at a women’s college in Sambalpur district of Odisha after multiple students accused an English lecturer of serious misconduct. The incident prompted swift intervention from the Higher Education Minister, who has ordered strict action and enforced a zero-tolerance approach.

The teacher has been accused of repeatedly making inappropriate and obscene remarks towards female students during class.

According to reports, four students initially approached a female faculty member to report the issue. The same lecturer also allegedly behaved inappropriately with the faculty member when she intervened.

Accused lecturer barred from classes

Following complaints, the matter has been formally reported to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), and an investigation is currently underway. However, concerns were raised as the accused lecturer continued to conduct classes while the inquiry is still in progress. Additionally, there are allegations that the students who filed the complaint are being threatened. Subsequently, both the faculty member and the students escalated the matter to the college principal. The complainants also demanded the immediate suspension of the accused lecturer.

Following the developments, Higher Education Minister Suryabansi Suraj intervened in the matter and spoke over the phone with the college principal and instructed that the accused lecturer be immediately barred from taking classes until the investigation report is submitted. The minister also reiterated a strict zero-tolerance stance in handling such cases.