Sambalpur: A Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scholar in the life sciences department of Sambalpur University has alleged prolonged mental harassment by the department head, prompting university authorities and Burla police to intervene after the scholar warned in an email that he may die by suicide if denied justice.The scholar has lodged complaints with university authorities and Burla police. In a video released on Friday, he alleged that he was repeatedly harassed by his head of the department (HoD) and that no action had been taken despite repeated appeals to the authorities.Following his suicide threat, the university’s student grievance redressal committee stepped in. Committee chairperson Pradipta Behera said the scholar was called for counselling and assured that his grievances would be examined in detail.Vice-chancellor Bidhu Bhushan Mishra said the scholar underwent nearly three hours of counselling. He said the student’s family was informed and the meeting was attended by the HoD and the research supervisor. The university, he said, is examining the allegations.Burla police confirmed receiving the scholar’s email. IIC Samyakanta Baliyar Singh said police spoke with the scholar, his family members and faculty members.
