HoD At Kerela University Suspended For Criticising Arrest Of Dalit Student On Facebook

Dr Prasad Pannian, an associate professor at the Central University of Kerala in Kasaragod, was suspended and removed as head of department of English and Comparative Literature on Friday, for criticising the arrest of a dalit student at the university.

The student, Ganthoti Nagaraju, was arrested last month and sent to judicial custody for breaking the glass pane of a fire alarm cabinet in the university hostel, reported The Indian Express.

Dr. Pannian had criticised the arrest of Nagaraju in a Facebook post, which read, “An act of misdemeanour has been criminalised is deeply disturbing… this is a minor offence that should have been settled on the campus itself. It is extremely saddening to know that our student is lying on the cold floor of the prison cell on charges of breaking a glass pane.’’

Dr. K Jayaprasad, the Vice Chancellor of the university, said that Dr. Pannian had allegedly violated service rules. “He has violated service rules. There had been several incidents in which he had criticised the university… There was a complaint from another faculty member of the same department against Pannian,’’ said Dr. Jayaprasad .

He also said that a circular had been issued to the faculty and employees, directing that they should beware of fielding online criticism against it.

Reports indicate that Dr. Pannian might approach the court against the university’s decision.