Bhubaneswar, June 16: A veterinary professor has been arrested by Bharatpur Police in Bhubaneswar on charges of sexually harassing a female student, allegedly demanding sexual favours, and circulating her morphed obscene photographs on social media after she rejected his advances.
The accused has been identified as Ajit Kumar Gupta, a resident of Hooghly district in West Bengal. He was reportedly employed as a faculty member at a veterinary college in Bhubaneswar.
According to the complaint filed by the student, Gupta had allegedly been harassing her for a considerable period. She claimed that the professor repeatedly followed her, proposed a personal relationship, and sent messages pressuring her to enter into a physical relationship with him.
The student further alleged that when she refused his advances, the professor created fake obscene images using her photographs and circulated them on various social media platforms in an apparent attempt to harass and defame her.
The matter came to light after the student discovered the objectionable content online. She subsequently approached Bharatpur Police Station and lodged a formal complaint against the professor, seeking legal action.
Acting on the complaint, police initiated an investigation and arrested the accused. He was later produced before a local court. Investigators have also recorded the statement of the complainant as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Police are examining digital evidence and social media activity linked to the case. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the allegations and determine whether additional offences may have been committed.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action in cases involving sexual harassment, cyber abuse and the misuse of technology to target women.
