Student slapping CU prof: Partha calls for 'exemplary punishment'

Kolkata: State Education minister Partha Chatterjee on Monday expressed hope that Calcutta University will be awarding exemplary punishment to the student who had slapped a professor of the Chemical Engineering department a few days ago, during an argument over the publication of review results.

Chatterjee met Professor Bhaskar Chandra Das at his chamber in the state assembly and told reporters after the meeting that he had not only heard the version of Das but also saw the CCTV footage which showed the student, Gourab Dutta Mustafi, slapping the teacher.

"I am hopeful that CU authorities will award exemplary punishment to the accused student so that no student would tread the wrong path in future," Chatterjee said. It has been learnt that Das had told the minister that he wants Mustafi to be barred for two years, so that he is not able to pursue any course under the university.

It may be mentioned that Chatterjee had earlier spoken to Das over phone and had asked vice-chancellor of CU Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, to take steps in this regard. The CU syndicate on Friday had already showcaused the student and has given him 15 days for replying to the same.

The incident occurred on February 6 while Das was working in his room at the Rajabazar Science College campus of CU. Mustafi had allegedly slapped him on his left ear, while seeking an explanation on a charter of demands that Das had sent to the vice-chancellor of the university.

The accused had allegedly threatened him of rustication from the department and the varsity, as well as stopping his pension. Das has been associated with the Chemical Engineering department of the varsity since May, 1995.