JU professor barred from campus, teaching duties
Decision made after a meeting was held between the students & teachers of the International Relations Department at the campus in this regard
Kolkata: Jadavpur University (JU) on Wednesday debarred Prof Kanak Sarkar from entering the university campus until the probe initiated against him is completed.
A meeting was held between the students and the teachers of the International Relations Department on the university campus in this regard on Wednesday as the former had expressed their grievances over Prof Sarkar's comments in the class.
After hearing out the students, the department has recommended the JU officials to restrict the entry of Prof Sarkar into the university campus. During the meeting the students said they are not satisfied with the content Prof Sarkar teaches in the class. The students, particularly girls, are not comfortable with his statements and gestures in his classes.
On Tuesday, the JU authorities decided that he won't be allowed to take classes until the investigation is completed. It may be mentioned that both the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the West Bengal Commission for Women have taken suo motu cognizance of his statement. The matter would be sent to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the University — which will conduct a detailed probe into the incident.
Sarkar, a professor of International Relations Department in the university, made a misogynist statement, comparing the virginity of a woman with a "sealed bottle" on a Facebook post on Sunday, generating heavy backlash from various sections of the society. The screenshots of the post went viral before he deleted the controversial post.
Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Suranjan Das said on Wednesday said: "An educated person cannot make such a comment. He has not only blackened his image but also sullied the image of the institution. Steps would be taken against him according to the provision of laws. He will not be spared."
"I have already received letters from the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the West Bengal Commission for Women in this regard. The West Bengal Commission for Women asked Prof Sarkar to appear before them within 7 days and give a deposition. We will extend all sorts of cooperation with the commission," Das told reporters on the sidelines of the Convocation of St Xavier's College.
Das also said he had heard about Sarkar making objectionable comments in his classes in the past. The matter will be referred to the ICC and stringent action will be taken against him for the statement he made on Facebook, the V-C maintained.
