IRMA’s sacked chief told to vacate house

After disallowing three board members from entering the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) on Friday, the Kurien camp stepped up the...

After disallowing three board members from entering the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) on Friday, the Kurien camp stepped up the heat on the group that has been opposing a lifetime post for him. It issued a notice to sacked director K Prathap Reddy, asking him to vacate his official accommodation with immediate effect.

The letter, signed by acting director L K Vaswani, also asked him to surrender his mobile phone and official car. But Reddy said he is not going to oblige. ‘‘There is no question of complying with this notice. The matter is in court. I have challenged their order of sacking me. I still hold my removal to be illegal. I will neither vacate the official accommodation nor give up mobile phone or the car. Let them take action,’’ Reddy said.

The anti-Kurien lobby rallied behind Reddy, saying the step was in bad taste. ‘‘After yesterday’s incident, we thought there couldn’t be a new low,’’ said a member.

Story continues below this ad

Hasmukh Shah, who was stopped at the IRMA gate on Friday, said they have decided to wait till April 19, when the court is expected to hear the matter. Claiming his group was not interested in precipitating a crisis, Shah said since the legal aspects of the case favoured their side, there was no reason for worry. Asked whether they were contemplating legal action for Friday’s incident, he said a decision would be taken after April 19.

On his part, Vaswani said there are no plans to force the vacation notice on Reddy. ‘‘It’s an administrative requirement that follows his termination. He has also been informed about Friday’s board decision accepting his termination.’’

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India5 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog