New Delhi, Oct. 31: Delhi University’s Ramjas College has suspended its vice-principal amid an inquiry into allegations that he sexually harassed male students.

B.N. Ray has been asked to stay away from classes till the investigation, ordered by the college, is over, Ramjas officials said.

“In the interests of an unbiased inquiry, it was felt that the accused should stay away from a position where he could influence the complainants,” a college official said.

The decision, taken late this evening, follows days of protest after the boys complained, nearly a week ago, that Ray had made sexual advances at them. Ray, a senior political science professor whose books are part of the university’s curriculum, has denied the charges.

According to sources in the University Grants Commission, this is the first known case of boys allegedly harassed sexually by a male teacher, at least in the central universities, of which Delhi University is one.