FIR against BK Kuthiala, former vice-chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Mass Communication and 19 others over alleged irregularities in appointments and finances has thrown the varsity teachers into a spin. The development at university has left its teachers alarmed and students perplexed. Most of the varsity classes are running empty as teachers, clueless of the next move, are choosing to sit at home. Absence of teachers is severely affecting the students as exams are just around the corner.
According to sources the list does not contain the names of some faculty on whom axe may soon fall and absence of these faculty members is also being noted in the university. The students, witness to the entire development, are vocal about the entire episode. While some are satisfied with the ongoing probe, there are others who have come in defense of the accused.
“The air of MCU has changed after Congress came into power,” said Rahul Garhwal, a student of Electronic Media department. “Kuthiala Sir was our teacher and we being students do not expect such things from a teacher. If the allegations are true, action must be taken against him and 19 others,” he added. New Media department student, Adeesh Kumar Jangid, however, alleged, “The saffronisation of the university was being done by our former VC and the FIR against him and others was a much needed action. Let’s see what comes out in the probe.”
Suyash Bhatt, a student of Mass Communication department, decried that “FIR was registered against 20 but neither Kuthiala Sir nor other faculty were given chance to present their side of the story. Moreover the EOW’s notice mentions the appointments which were done from the year 2003-2018 and during that period Achyutanand Mishra also served as VS. So he should also be brought in the ambit of inquiry.”
FIR lodged at wrong time
The students opined that FIR was registered at wrong time. The April month is time of placement and the students believe that their placement might also get affected because of the current situation and the maligned image of the university. Jatin Sisodiya, a student of Film Production department said, “The intentions might be correct but the time when FIR is registered is definitely wrong. The exams are arriving and the absence of teachers is affecting the studies.”
Electronic Media student Ayush Ojha, targeted media houses, saying that they have a keen interest in the university and spare no chance to malign its image. “FIR has also been registered against Avinash Bajpai who is in charge of the placement cell of the university and I don’t think companies will show their interest at such institution,” he said.
E-warriors engaged in war of words
The students told as soon as the list of people against whom FIR was registered came on WhatsApp groups, a war of words started. Debate is on social networking sites including Facebook. While some students argued saying it was the dirty politics of the Congress, a few others alleged that Kuthiala did nothing except saffronising the university.
EOW likely to visit university
The Economic Offences Wing is likely to visit university in connection with mess in Makhanlal Chaturvedi University. Ex-vice chancellor BK Kuthiala and 20 others have been booked for committing irregularities in appointments and other financial irregularities of the university Not fully relying on the complaint the EOW is probing the case according to the law manual.
The complaint is based on the report of three member committee- comprising government official M Gopal Reddy, two other members Bhupendra Gupta and Sandeep Dikshit- instituted by the chief minister Kamal Nath. The committee submitted its report on March 7 and the matter was handed to the EOW in April.
A senior official told Free Press that they are studying the complaints; and they will need the supporting documents to summon the official concerned for questioning. Once the list of requisite documents is prepared the EOW will serve the notice to the University officials. According to sources the EOW may not make any arrest in the case if it is satisfied by the responses of the alleged accused. The EOW SP Arun Mishra told Free Press the agency may undertake action on the basis to the investigation at this stage.
