Balangir: The district administration on Thursday sealed a private college and its hostel in Shantipada locality of Balangir for allegedly operating without requisite legal permission.The action followed circulation of an objectionable audio and video clip involving girl students and the owner of the institute on various social media platforms.Based on a complaint alleging sexual harassment of students by Sumit Agrawal, owner of the college, a team comprising officials from the education department, child welfare unit, police and a magistrate raided the institute and initiated a detailed inquiry into the allegations.“The incident is very unfortunate and sensitive; hence, we are investigating the matter thoroughly. During initial verification of documents, it was found that the institute and hostel were being operated without legitimate permission,” said Bikram Panda, district child welfare officer.The college and hostel have been sealed for 72 hours, and the college administration has been asked to submit documents related to legal status of the institution for verification, Panda added.However, the college administration denied the allegation of sexual harassment of students. It claimed that some outsiders were trying to blackmail the owner by circulating edited photographs and audio clips and demanding money.“Similar incident surfaced two years ago but normality was restored when it was proved to be fake. The same has recurred. Pranksters are trying to defame the college if their demands are not met,” said Binit Agrawal, college principal and brother of Sumit Agrawal.Binit further claimed that Sumit often visits the institute as he is undergoing medication for a psychological condition and denied the possibility of any such act by him. He termed the allegations baseless and fabricated.“The administration has taken the matter seriously. After investigation, strict action would be taken if anyone is found guilty,” Panda said.