Kasargod: The Central University of Kerala has become a centre of controversy. The campus was rocked on Tuesday after a student, who was dismissed a month ago, attempted suicide by cutting his vein and blamed the vice-chancellor, pro-VC, registrar and others for his plight in a suicide note.
Following the incident, the students laid siege to the administrative block and the university suspended classes for an indefinite period. The student, Akhil Thazhath, 24, had protested against the sacking of canteen staff.
The university authorities also called a meeting with the participation of district collector, district police chief and students on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
The student, Akhil Thazhath, 24, who cut his vein at a playground, was admitted to the government district hospital, Kanjangad, where he is recuperating.
Akhil, second-year student in the department of International Relations and Politics, was dismissed by the university last month alleging that he had defamed the VC and registrar in a Facebook post a few months back, a charge Akhil denied.
“Akhil had explained that he had not mentioned any names in his post. But the university authorities didn’t pay heed and suspended him initially and later dismissed him,” said a student at CUK who requested anonymity.
Akhil had alleged that Sangh Parivar was increasing its presence in the CUK which was reflected in the stifling of the voices of dissent. Many contract appointments were made in the university flouting UGC norms. Recently, Akhil was barred from entering the campus also.
“Akhil took his degree from the university itself and is yet to get certificates. He cannot come to the campus to check the certificates and this demoralised him. Besides, the university had filed a police complaint against him that he had tried to enter the campus in an inebriated state,” his friend said.
Professors who backed the student were also in the firing line.
One Dr Prasad Pannian was removed from the post of HoD following his remarks in an FB post backing the students’ protest.
Another Dr Gilbert Sebastian was slapped with a showcause notice for participating in a human rights rally near Raj Bhavan.
