Guwahati: Assam University has suspended Ajit Kumar Jena, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work, following multiple allegations of sexual harassment by students, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The university’s Registrar, Pradosh Kiran Nath, issued an official suspension order stating that Jena would be placed under suspension for 90 days with immediate effect, pending a detailed internal inquiry into the accusations.
According to the order, several students from the Department of Social Work had submitted written complaints against Jena.
A formal report was also submitted by the head of the department, prompting university authorities to begin a probe into the matter.
The suspension comes after intensifying student protests on the Silchar campus, where demonstrators demanded Jena’s immediate dismissal and arrest.
Students had earlier staged hunger strikes and sit-ins, accusing the faculty member of threatening academic retaliation and sending inappropriate messages via WhatsApp.
On May 5, the university instructed Jena to go on leave while the investigation proceeded.
He was also notified of an FIR filed against him, with a directive to cooperate with the police. However, the Registrar noted that Jena failed to comply—neither applying for leave nor presenting himself to authorities—leading to his suspension.
“In view of his non-compliance with university instructions, the competent authority has decided to suspend Jena under relevant university statutes and regulations,” the order stated.
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The university also barred Jena from leaving headquarters or entering the campus without prior permission.
Three female students have formally lodged police complaints against the professor, accusing him of inappropriate behaviour and misuse of academic authority.
Earlier, too, a few teachers of Assam University, situated in southern Assam’s Silchar area, were suspended on sexual harassment allegations.
