Members of staff associations of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) staged a demonstration at the district Collectorate here and on the university premises on Monday, seeking revocation of a criminal case registered against Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr. Kalyani Mathivanan, Registrar (in-charge) A. Muthumanickam and three others by Nagamalai Pudukottai police in an assault case.
A. Srinivasan, convenor of Save MKU Coalition, was allegedly assaulted by two persons on Friday and based on his complaint the police had registered an FIR against the VC, the Registrar (in-charge), Director of Department of Youth Welfare P. Chelladurai, Public Relations Officer (in-charge) Arivalagan and retired MKU staff S.V. K. Selvaraj, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 307 (attempt to murder).
On Monday, the members of MKU Professors’ Welfare Association, Superior Staff Association, Administrative Staff Association, Progressive Association and Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe Welfare Association claimed during the demonstrations that the charges levelled by Save MKU Coalition against the VC were “false.”
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“The university authorities are in no way connected to the assault. Naming them in the FIR is condemnable. There is no basis to the allegations made against the Vice-Chancellor and others,” said M. Nallakaman, president, MKU Professors’ Welfare Association.
“Most of the members of Save MKU Coalition are retired faculty members and they are in no way associated to the MKU. They are trying to defame the institution with their conspiracy theories,” claimed P. Anbu Selvan, secretary of Superior Staff Association. The members said seven resolutions were passed following a meeting on Sunday, wherein they condemned the FIR against the university authorities and issue of press releases by Save MKU Coalition without any evidence.
In their petition to the Collector and Superintendent of Police, the staff members sought action against those “who are trying to tarnish the reputation of the MKU”.
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They condemned the activities of S. Krishnasamy, a faculty of Department of Genetic Engineering, for bringing discredit to the university.
He highlighted the MKU’s internal affairs only to avoid the disciplinary action initiated against him, the members alleged.