Bhubaneswar, April 8: The Indian Institute of Mass Communication teacher, who was slapped a show-cause notice by the college authorities following allegations of sexual harassment by a student, tendered his resignation yesterday.

The academic associate in question left the campus late last night, said a college official today.

The incident occurred yesterday when a student of postgraduate diploma in English journalism alleged that the teacher had tried to touch her inappropriately. She also produced explicit messages sent to her by the teacher on her mobile.

The student and her friends brought the matter before the authorities and demanded immediate action and resignation of the faculty member. Both the accused and the victim hail from Assam. However, the complainant has filed no police complaint.

"I am aware of the incident. I am away from headquarters, but an inquiry into the matter is going on," institute director Mrinal Chatterjee told The Telegraph.

"We received the complaint and sought an explanation from him the same day. The accused has given his explanation and also tendered his resignation. However, we are yet to take a formal decision on his resignation. The complainant is satisfied with the action taken by the institute," Chatterjee added.

Social media was abuzz with discussions on the incident. Some students denied reports, which appeared in a section of the media, that there was a "huge protest" on the campus.

"We didn't create a scene or go on a hunger strike. We simply asked for the resignation of the accused and the authorities agreed to it. He's not even there on the campus," said a student Shrishti Negi.

The Dhenkanal branch of the institute was established in 1993, and has been running with the help of teaching assistants hired on a temporary contract basis. Chatterjee is the institute's only permanent member of faculty.