KOCHI: Activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) on Thursday burnt the chair of the Maharaja’s College Principal after barging into her office.
The incident occurred when the Principal, N.L. Beena, was on leave. The agitators said the chair was burnt as a mark of protest against her alleged remarks against students a few days ago.
A section of teachers and SFI activists had accused Ms. Beena of stating that “girls came to the college to cosy up to boys”. However, the Principal had denied the allegations, saying that she had, in fact, advised students to focus on studies, instead of wasting time while on the campus. The protesters also alleged that the Principal was responsible for the delay in renovating the boy’s hostel. They also demanded her removal from the post for making derogatory statements against students and some teachers.
Meanwhile, the burning of the chair triggered protests by faculty members, who met on the campus soon after the incident. They said Ms. Beena was not in a position to go to office following repeated attacks on her over the past few weeks.
A memorandum signed by 137 teachers condemned the incident and demanded stringent action against those behind it. They also expressed concern over violence allegedly unleashed by SFI activists on the campus with the support of some teachers. According to them, the Deputy Director of Education, Ernakulam, has sent a report to the Higher Education Secretary on Thursday’s incidents. A police complaint will also be filed seeking action against those responsible for damaging public property.
