St Stephen’s principal accused of asking staffer to convert!

In a letter to the principal, the administrative officer, Shubh Kumar Das, has asked not to be “mentally tortured” for converting to Christianity. The administrative officer was suspended after sending the missive.

In the letter, Das said, “I was induced for conversion by you (principal) in beginning of the year 2014 which I had taken serious objection to and pleaded with you not to force me for conversion. Your wife came to my residence and told my wife in evening hour not to disclose this matter as it may tarnish your image.” He further wrote, “In month of October 2014, you tried to offer me a mobile phone and told me that same mobile was given to you by previous Bishop which I did not accept and strongly objected and requested you not to force for conversion as I strongly believe in my Hindu religion and form of worship.”

It’s also alleged that the principal threatened Shubh Kumar Das of dire consequences for not abiding to his diktat of converting into Christianity. In the letter Das mentioned that principal told him how Mess Steward and Estate Officer were replaced with Christians. As a result of constant mental torture, Das also wrote that his family is petrified with his attitude and his mother who is 70 year old widow left for Odisha as she could not withstand the torture. 

According to sources, the matter will be taken up in next Governing Body meeting of the college and also,  50 staff members of the college have signed a memorandum and given it to principal to not to force anybody for conversion .

Reacting to same, DU’s Admistrative Officers’ Association has demanded a meeting with principal. “Earlier the principal agreed to have a meeting on Monday but now it has been postponed. We will be meeting him on Wednesday or Friday. We want to speak to him first why he took such drastic step (of suspending Das),” said Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, member of the association. On the other hand, principal Valson Thampu has denied any such charges. “Anybody can make allegations but that doesn’t mean they are all true.”

DU teachers have come out in support of the administrative officer on the matter.