July 17, 2025 | Sambalpur : Just days after the tragic death of a contractual woman lecturer who set herself on fire over alleged harassment by a senior colleague, another disturbing incident has come to light in Odisha. A professor at Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur has been accused of sexually abusing a female student, adding to growing concerns about women’s safety on campuses.

According to police sources, the incident reportedly took place on campus grounds, and the accused professor has since gone into hiding. The victim, a postgraduate student in her early twenties, filed a formal complaint on Wednesday, detailing the alleged abuse that occurred during a research consultation session. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and launched a manhunt to trace the accused.

The news has triggered protests by student groups and women’s rights organizations across Sambalpur. Demonstrators have demanded immediate action, stricter oversight on faculty behavior, and better grievance redressal systems at universities. “This is not an isolated incident. We need systemic change. Our campuses are not safe,” said one of the protestors.

The university administration released a brief statement acknowledging the complaint and stating that an internal committee has been formed to investigate the matter. “We are cooperating fully with the police and have placed the accused under temporary suspension pending the outcome of the investigation,” said a university spokesperson.

This new case comes in the shadow of a heartbreaking incident earlier this month, where a 28-year-old contractual lecturer in Boudh district succumbed to injuries after immolating herself in protest of alleged workplace harassment. The accused lecturer in that case has since been arrested and an inquiry is underway.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked outrage statewide, with students, activists, and politicians demanding stronger policies to protect women in educational institutions. Many are calling for fast-track courts for sexual harassment cases in academia and mandatory gender sensitivity training for faculty members.

Odisha’s Higher Education Minister has assured swift action. “We take these incidents very seriously. We are reviewing all university grievance mechanisms and will introduce mandatory reporting and accountability systems,” he said during a press conference.

Mental health professionals have also raised concerns about the psychological toll these incidents take on students. “Victims often suffer in silence. Institutions must foster a culture where students feel safe to speak up without fear of retaliation,” said Dr. Swati Mishra, a clinical psychologist.

As the investigation continues in Sambalpur, the spotlight is now on how universities and state authorities respond to the growing demand for safer, more accountable learning environments. For now, the student community waits, hoping for justice and lasting change.