Rourkela, June 2: Students of the National Institute of Technology Rourkela today called off their agitation against institute director Sunil Kumar Sarangi for not taking stringent action against its chief security officer on charges of sexual misdemeanours.

The students were seeking the removal of Sarangi, who, they said, did not pay heed to allegations of sexual harassment by the security officer Balaram Champatiray against women members of the security staff.

The decision was announced after an open-house meet, which was attended by the students and faculty members, including Sarangi.

Sarangi assured the students that he would not pursue action against them for agitating against him. The director faced several questions from the students and faculty members regarding the case, and sources said Sarangi had elaborately answered all of those. Six senior faculty members assisted him.

The students said a police complaint had been registered against six students, including Amiya Singh, who was leading the agitation, which would affect their careers. Sarangi, however, said the institute had not registered any complaint. The students then proceeded to read out portions from what was purported to be a five-page complaint.

Amiya Singh said: "We may face police action and we seek guarantees from the director in writing that our academic careers will not be hampered."

Sarangi moved to assure the students and said: "Nothing will happen to you or your academic careers." Subsequently, the students called off the strike.

Later, Sarangi told the media: "I have allayed the students' apprehensions about police action. They wanted a written assurance, which is not possible as it would be an insult to the Senate. As a member of the Senate, I assured them that my vote would definitely go in their favour. Besides, I am hopeful the Senate will also be sympathetic towards them for what they did."

Champatiray is still absconding.