An investigation has commenced into serious allegations of harassment and 'casting couch' against Shatrughan Samal, a professor in the Drama Department of Utkal Music College.
Following widespread media reports, a three-member team led by Deb Prasad Das, Special Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, arrived at the college to conduct the probe. The Secretary stated that the team initiated the investigation voluntarily.
The allegations prompted hundreds of students to stage a massive protest on the highway today. Police intervened to bring the demonstration under control, moving the students back onto the college campus. One protesting student reportedly fell ill and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that action may have been initiated against the accused professor.