Bengal govt seeks report on varsity VC heckling case

Kolkata, April 5

The West Bengal government on Tuesday sought a report from the Aliah University over allegations of a now expelled student heckling, threatening and abusing the university Vice Chancellor, Mohammad Ali.

The incident is said to have taken place on April 1. A video that went viral next day showed a student -- Giasuddin Mondal, having close links with the ruling Trinamool Congress, heckling, threatening and abusing Ali.

On April 3, Mondal was arrested from his rented accommodation in Kolkata's Salt Lake area.

Next day, following Mondal's arrest, there were state-wide protests, with Ali saying he wishes to get relieved from the chair of the vice chancellor, seeking to go back to Jadavpur University.

On Tuesday, West Bengal Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, which has the authoritative jurisdiction of the Aliah University, sought a detailed report from the varsity's authorities in the matter.

During an interaction with the mediapersons, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said Mondal was arrested for using some "bitter words".

Confirming that the state government has sought a report from the university authorities, Mohammad Ali said he will send a report to the state government, and also forward a separate letter to the chief minister.

Mondal, the former unit head of the students' wing of Trinamool Congress, was recently expelled from Aliah University.

The vice chancellor has alleged that while he was being heckled by Mondal last Friday, he had called up the police for help but did not receive "satisfactory response". The university authorities also lodged a complaint with the police then on this matter.

Aliah University.