The Sambalpur University has demoted Dr Rajat Kumar Kujur, an Assistant Professor in Political Science and Public Administration, following allegations of attacking a student and giving mental harassment to a female colleague.
The university, in an order signed by Registrar Nrupraj Sahu, cited immediate demotion, moving him from stage 3, academic level 12 to stage 2, academic level 11. His salary is now Rs 92,600, and he will be closely monitored by the university administration for the next 3 years.
Dr Kujur had been under suspension for reportedly harassing a female Assistant Professor in the same department in August 2023. This is not the first time he faced scrutiny, as in September 2018, he was accused of attacking a student, leading to his suspension. Despite previous warnings and suspensions, his alleged misconduct continued, prompting the university to take disciplinary action, sources said.
Registrar Nrupraj Sahu said, “The demotion was based on inquiry reports and Dr Kujur's past records. He clarified that suspension is not considered a punishment according to the service code, and despite repeated warnings, Dr Kujur did not cease his activities, leading to the decision to demote him from his current position.”