Focus on varsity security issue

Sujata Patel from the sociology department was stabbed at her residence in the teachers quarters by an unidentified person, suspected to be a thief. On returning home, Patel found her television set on. When she went in the bedroom to look for any intruders, she was stabbed on her back. Patel was moved to a private hospital where she is out of danger. Admitting that there was a need to increase the number of security guards on the campus, Vice-Chancellor Arun Nigavekar said security arrangements would be restructured.

Nigavekar, however, said no additional security guards would be deployed in the campus immediately.

“The security matter comes under State Government and the proposal to increase the number of guards has to be cleared by the State,” said Nigavekar.

A meeting of the pro-vice chancellor, registrar and security officials took stock of the situation today.

Security officials described shortage of manpower as the main reason behind the lapses. The estates department was directed to take adequate measures to prevent the uncontrolled growth of trees and vegetation on the campus and to install street lights in dark lanes.

A second meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the matter and recommend measures to cope with security lapses.

Fear has gripped the residential area. Some teachers have charged the administration with deliberately neglecting the issue over so many years.

University conducted interviews for the post of resident doctor for its dispensary yesterday. The university had sought special permission of the higher education department by pushing the appointment issue under the essential services.

“Security is also an essential service and had the administration realised the gravity of the situation, it could have very well hired the services of additional guards from university funds,” said one teacher.

Pro-Vice Chancellor N.J. Sonawane visited Patel at the private clinic. He announced that the university will bear the medical expenses of her treatment.