Assam University Suspends Professor Following Student Protests Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

In a dramatic turn of events at Assam University, Silchar, the administration has officially suspended Assistant Professor Ajit Kumar Jena of the Department of Social Work following serious allegations of sexual harassment made by several students. The suspension order was issued on Wednesday (May 7), following intense pressure from protesting students who had been demanding swift action for over 72 hours.

This protest stems from an FIR filed by three students of the Assam University against Prof. Jena. They alleged that Jena has secually and mentally harassed several students of the department with intimidation. A protest started following the FIR, where Assam University Students’ Union and ABVP demanded his resignation and arrest since last Sunday.

The campus witnessed unrest over the past three days, with hundreds of students staging protests, blocking gates, and burning tyres in response to the alleged inaction of the varsity against such serious allegations.

The demonstrators voiced their anger over the delay in arrest and suspension of the accused, calling for justice and safety on campus. Chants and slogans filled the air as the protest gathered momentum, drawing widespread attention.

The protest reached its peak on Wednesday where students blocked the gates not allowing the professors or students to enter the campus.

According to the suspension order issued by the university’s Registrar Dr. Pradosh Kiran Nath, a detailed inquiry was initiated after a formal complaint and departmental report were received. The accused, Mr. Jena, was directed to go on leave and cooperate with police investigations after an FIR was lodged. However, the university stated that Mr. Jena failed to comply with these directives, did not apply for leave, nor reported to the police.

Citing non-compliance and invoking Rule 10(1) of the CCS Rules, 1965, the university suspended Mr. Jena for a period of 90 days with immediate effect. He has been barred from entering the campus or the university headquarters without prior approval and will receive subsistence allowance as per norms during his suspension.

The decision to suspend Mr. Jena was taken with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor and has been communicated to all relevant authorities, including student welfare and internal complaints committees.