Assam University, Silchar has suspended Assistant Professor Ajit Kumar Jena from the Department of Social Work after multiple students accused him of sexual harassment.
On May 7, suspension order was officially issued by the Assam University, Silchar over 72 hours of continuous student protests. He has been suspended for 90 days under Rule 10(1) of the CCS Rules, 1965. During this period, he is not allowed to enter the campus or university offices without permission and will receive only a subsistence allowance.
The protest began after three students filed an FIR (police complaint) against Prof. Jena on May 5. They accused him of sexually and mentally harassing students using threats and intimidation. Student groups, including the Assam University Students’ Union and ABVP, demanded his resignation and immediate arrest.
For three days the University students staged protest. Students blocked the university gates, burned tyres, and shouted slogans, criticizing the administration for delaying action against the professor. The protests peaked on Wednesday when students completely blocked entry into the campus.
According to the university’s Registrar, Dr. Pradosh Kiran Nath, a detailed enquiry started after receiving the formal complaints. The university had earlier asked Mr. Jena to go on leave and cooperate with the police, but he did not follow these instructions.
Due to failure of cooperate the University has suspended Mr. Jena for a period of 90 days with immediate effect.
The Vice-Chancellor approved the suspension and the decision has been shared with student welfare bodies and internal complaint committees.
