An associate professor at Utkal University in Odisha has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment against a female student. The decision to suspend him was made after an internal complaints committee found prima facie evidence supporting the student's claims, which stemmed from an incident on August 16 when she visited his office to collect books. The professor allegedly molested her and warned her against disclosing the incident. Despite an initial complaint to the university's Sexual Harassment Cell, action was delayed until the National Human Rights Commission intervened after an activist's petition. The professor has been instructed not to leave the university premises without permission from the Vice Chancellor. The university has yet to receive any comments from the accused professor regarding the allegations.