Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Parimal Trivedi was arrested on Tuesday morning for allegedly making casteist remarks against a Dalit teacher of an affiliated college. He was later released on bail.
Mr. Trivedi, who along with his family members had allegedly been “absconding” for the last couple of days, surrendered before the Schedule Caste/Scheduled Tribe cell of the Ahmedabad police and was placed under arrest. Later the metropolitan court granted him bail on his furnishing a personal surety for Rs. 25,000 and surrendering his passport.
Modi confidant
Mr. Trivedi, who was appointed Vice-Chancellor for a second consecutive term, was considered a close confidant of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
The complaint under the Atrocity Act had been pending since 2008 when Pankaj Shrimali approached the police accusing Mr. Trivedi of using “abusive terms” and making casteist remarks against him.
The police initially declined to register a First Information Report against Mr. Trivedi. Mr. Shrimali later alleged that the police were “deliberately delaying action” and he moved the Gujarat High Court, which directed them to file a case against Mr. Trivedi and submit an action taken report by Wednesday (February 22).
Resignation sought
State Congress spokesman Manish Doshi, who is also a member of the University Syndicate, demanded Mr. Trivedi's resignation on moral grounds. If he failed to quit, the government should direct him to put in his papers as his arrest hurt the image of the institution, Dr. Doshi said.
Recently, some complaints were filed with the police against Mr. Trivedi for allegedly allowing “underhand dealings” by some affiliated colleges in admission and other administrative matters.
