Odisha lecturer arrested for seeking sexual favors from minor student
What's the story
A guest lecturer at a state-run college in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing a minor student, News18 reported. The arrest came after students protested and blocked a nearby road, demanding his removal. The protesters accused the lecturer of repeatedly targeting female students and demanding "sexual favors in exchange for higher grades."
Case details
Lecturer's appointment and ongoing investigation
The lecturer had joined the college in June as a guest faculty member, pending the appointment of permanent teachers. Following the allegations, he was terminated from his position, a development that happened earlier in the day. The Odisha Culture Department has constituted a three-member committee to probe the matter further. A senior government official assured students they could report complaints "to the internal complaints committee, the principal, or directly to the Culture Department without fear of reprisal."
Legal action
Charges filed against lecturer under POCSO Act
The lecturer has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for using criminal force on women, insulting their modesty, and obscene acts, according to The Indian Express. This incident comes months after a similar case in July, when a student in Balasore set herself on fire after alleged harassment by her head of department.