Bhubaneswar, April 14: Universities and technical education institutions across the state have been echoing with students' allegations of sexual harassment in the past few months.

Such an allegation against an assistant professor of Basic Science College in the city is the latest incident in the list, while many are of the view that the crime has become routine on most campuses.

"During my first-year, one professor had scolded me very harshly before the entire class for a very silly mistake. I was left in tears. He would regularly target and humiliate me in the classroom, and I was clueless why he was doing this," said Deepika (name changed) a final-year graduation student.

"A few days later, he asked me to meet him inside his chamber. Surprisingly, he offered me chocolates and gifts. He explained that his hash behaviour was because of his concern for me and my career. Thereafter, he was extremely good to me, exchanged text messages, provided me reference books and started calling me on my mobile phones. My worse fears came true when he expressed his 'love' for me," Deepika said.

When I refused to oblige, he began threatening me with "I will spoil your career".

Deepika was saved because she had shared the incident with her seniors in the hostel, and they confronted the professor directly. "My seniors warned him of dire consequences if he ever repeated the mistake. This saved my life," she said.

Deepika's case is not an isolated one. Hundreds of young girls, who study in higher institutions, often land in such unpleasant situations.

"The number of cases that surface could be hardly 2 per cent of what happens inside the chambers of these institutions. Many cases go unreported. It's only when something gets very extreme, that students speak out," said Samarnika, another student.

The Phd scholars, who are often left to the mercy of guides to earn their degrees, are one of the most vulnerable groups. The problem gets aggravated in the absence of any periodic monitoring of the research by the varsity.

"We have seen some students, who, despite their unwillingness, do everything to keep their guides happy. You are already in an age where a job means a lot and everything depends on your doctorate degree. Many students lose patience and give in to the demand of these exploiting teachers," she said.

Authorities in these institutions, however, are of the view that there are various provisions to check such exploitation.

"We have a anti-sexual harassment committee in place, according to the Vishakha guidelines, and any cases that are brought to our notice are immediately dealt with. Nothing much can be done from the authorities except for spreading awareness and generating confidence among the students," said Sambalpur University vice-chancellor C.R. Tripathy.

Police had arrested a professor of the varsity for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting a PhD scholar in March. Another professor of the same university was arrested and sent to jail on charge of assaulting a minor daughter of another professor on the campus.

"Following the incident in our varsity, we have suspended both the professors and conducted several awareness campaigns in form of workshops and posters at prominent places detailing the Vishakha guidelines. Additionally, the information has also been uploaded on the universities website for the convenience of students," said Tripathy.

"The students have to approach the varsity sexual harassment committee in case of any such crime. Such cases are always taken with utmost seriousness," said Utkal University vice-chancellor Ashok Das.

"Abusers are everywhere - in schools, public transport, banks and every other work place. Young men and women must learn to face this and confront the offenders with confidence. It's only when you raise your voice that you will be heard. Studies revel that most victims do not complaint till they are abused for the 72nd time. The only solution is to shun your fear and embarrassment and talk to your peers or family. Your fear will make the abuser stronger. Students must stand up for themselves, and families must create a conducive environment for their wards," said psychologist Namita Mohanty.

Trauma on campus

♦ April 10, 2015: Students of Basic Science College accuse assistant professor of sexual harassment
♦ April 7: Senior workshop instructor of Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE) accused of misbehaving with a girl student in his chamber
♦ March 9: A professor of Sambalpur University arrested for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting a PhD scholar. The  victim lodged a formal complaint with Burla police
♦ Jan. 4: A professor of history of Sambalpur University arrested and sent to jail on charge of physically assaulting a minor daughter of another professor on the campus
♦ June 2014: Girl students of  SCB Medical College and Hospital accuse head of pathology department of harassment