Governor sets up panel to probe row

The Raj Bhavan release said, 8220;This is the first step towards resolving the crisis prevailing in the MSU following the alleged attack by fine arts faculty by the so-called moral police on May 9 and subsequent developments. The committee will carry out detailed examination of facts, the role of MSU authorities as well as suggest solution to the crisis. The committee will also suggest long-term measures to avoid such incidents.8221;

In a press release issued on Thursday, Raj Bhavan officials said the decision follows representations from citizens, artists, MSU teachers and students. The three-member committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks.

MSU authorities have been under fire for the manner in which they handled the case, with the agitating fine arts students demanding reinstatement of Panikkar, halting all academic work and even the declaration of results.

MSU vice-chancellor Manoj Soni, who has been criticised for his role, confirmed that MSU had received the Raj Bhavan communiqueacute; on Wednesday evening. 8220;I hope the truth will now come out. The negotiation process will, however, continue,8221; said Soni. He added that the probe committee appointed by MSU will continue its work. On Thursday, the probe committee had questioned BJP leader Niraj Jain as well as fine arts faculty teacher Malti Gaekwad.

The difference between the two committees, one formed by the Governor, and the earlier one formed by MSU authorities could not have been more stark. The Governor8217;s fact-finding committee comprises academicians of national repute, and most importantly an artist.

It was following wide-spread criticism about the manner in which Panikkar was suspended that the MSU formed a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the May 9 incident and subsequent events. It comprises Law faculty dean Maswood Syed, syndicate member Mukund Shah, senate members Dr Prakash Shah and Rajendra Trivedi. All four are known to have BJP affiliations, with Rajendra Trivedi, a practising lawyer being a BJP councillor as well. Only Syed has any academic credentials.

More importantly, there was no artist on the panel, a fact pointed out by Chancellor Mrunalinidevi Puar herself. The committee continues with its hearings and has no timeframe to submit its findings to the Syndicate.

Reactions

8226; 8220;I have received the letter from Raj Bhavan and will sent my approval of acceptance soon.8221;
Haku Shah, committee member

8226; 8220;I feel something positive will come out. Now a third party has come and it is not merely in varsity authorities8217; hands.8221;
Prof Shivaji Panikkar

8226; 8220;Teachers are delighted. Though we don8217;t know the exact details of what the committee will find out, we have called a meeting on Friday to chalk out our next move.8221;
Jayaram Poduval, Fine arts faculty student dean

8226; 8220;It is good news, the Governor is trying to do something. Let8217;s hope the committee takes a fair decision.8221;
K G Subramanyam, renowned artist and Padma Bhushan awardee

8226; 8220;I hope things change now. I had talked to the Governor when he visited the city last month.8221;
Mrunalinidevi Puar, MSU chancellor

8226; 8220;I hope the truth will come out now. 8220;
Manoj Soni, MSU Vice Chancellor