GM University Suspends Professor After Arrest Over Sexual Exploitation Allegation

Bhubaneswar: Gangadhar Meher University has taken disciplinary action against one of its faculty members following serious criminal allegations. Assistant Professor Gopikanta Suna, who teaches at the School of Education, has been placed under suspension after his arrest in a case registered at the Mahila Police Station in Sambalpur.

The suspension comes in response to a complaint filed by a female student, who accused Suna of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage. Police registered the case on July 16, 2025, under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Citing the gravity of the charges and based on a report submitted by the Inspector-in-Charge of the Mahila Police Station, the university issued an official order (Memo No. 2264) placing the faculty member under suspension. The order was issued under Section 299 of the Odisha University First Statute, 1990, and Rule 12 of the Orissa Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962.

Pending further proceedings, Suna has been instructed to remain within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chairman, Post Graduate Council at Gangadhar Meher University and must obtain prior approval before leaving headquarters. As per service norms, he will receive a subsistence allowance during the suspension period, under Rule 90 of the Orissa Service Code.

The university has shared the order with top state education authorities, including the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department and the Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Chancellor, signaling the seriousness with which it is handling the matter.