AU teachers on indefinite strike over ‘inaction’ in assault case

The decision was taken at a general body meeting of the AU Teachers’ Association (AUTA).

Holding a press conference here Monday,AUTA president Prof Girish Tripathi said: “The teachers have decided to on an indefinite strike. It is a painful decision for the teachers and the loss caused to the students will tried to be compensated with extra classes.”

On November 29,Prof R R Tiwari,head of J K Institute of Applied Physics and Technology of the AU,and another senior teacher Prof C K Dwivedi,were thrashed by students of one of university’s hostels,Muslim Boarding House. There were allegations that Prof Tiwari had constantly discouraged a physically challenged B. Tech (Computer Science) student,who did not have both hands,to the extent that he withdrew his name from the Institute.

Prof Tripathi Monday said the documents clearly showed that the student in question had simply not submitted his examination form even though a special permission was given to him to take the examination. He further alleged that the current anarchy-like situation was the result of a wobbly administration in the university and lax attitude shown by the district administration to rein in unwanted elements.

The teachers would be meeting the President and the Governor and apprise them of the situation in the university,said Prof Tripathi.

Meanwhile,AU Chief Proctor Prof R K Upadhyaya said the identity of the culprits was yet to be established and the police was working on some clues. “They first want to arrest the culprits. As soon as we have details,we will take disciplinary action against them,” he said.

However,Inspector (Incharge) Colonelganj,Rakesh Kumar Singh,said the police was in the process of identifying more culprits. “Raids are being conducted at the possible hideouts of the two accused,whose names were mentioned in the FIR. We have met the two professors also. But they are not in a position to say anything. We are expecting more cooperation from the University authorities,” said Singh.