Bhubaneswar, Mar 26: A woman marshal has accused Orissa Assembly Speaker Maheshwar Mohanty of sexual harassment.

“The allegation is the fallout of actions initiated against indisciplined employees and also part of a conspiracy in which important persons are involved,” Mohanty claimed.

Mohanty released a suo motu statement in response to media reports about the charges he has proposed the setting up of a House Committee to probe the matter.

Stating that it would be improper on his part to preside over the proceedings till the truth is revealed, he left the chair and asked Deputy Speaker Prahallad Dora to take over house proceedings.

Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, “The Speaker's action is a dignified move and a probe into this case by a House Committee would be meaningless.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raghunath Mohanty supported the Speaker's suggestion for a probe. (ANI)