Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 18: Goa University has suspended an assistant professor from its Physics department following allegations of leaking an exam paper to a female student. The suspension, which comes amid mounting pressure, is pending an inquiry into the matter.
In an official order, Vice Chancellor Harilal Menon confirmed the suspension of Dr. Pranav Naik, an assistant professor in the School of Physical and Applied Sciences, while an internal inquiry is underway. A two-member fact-finding committee has been formed and tasked with submitting its report within 48 hours.
The suspension follows media reports suggesting that Dr. Naik had disclosed the exam question paper to a female student, sparking two police complaints. The first complaint was lodged by activist Kashinath Shetye and other citizens on Sunday, while the Congress-aligned National Students Union of India (NSUI) filed a second complaint on Monday at Agassaim police station. However, police have not yet registered an FIR in the case.
The allegations prompted a protest by the BJP-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) outside the Vice Chancellor’s office, demanding swift action. In response, Vice Chancellor Menon denied receiving any formal complaint regarding the paper leak. He emphasized that no student or faculty member had approached the university with concerns about the alleged leak.
Menon also recounted a previous incident in September of last year, when a complaint was raised about an assistant professor entering a faculty member's office. He clarified that the professor had explained the visit as being for a routine task and had apologized for the misunderstanding.
Despite the initial denial of any wrongdoing, Menon acknowledged the media reports and police complaints and decided to set up the fact-finding committee. “I admit that where there is smoke, there is fire... and if there is substance in the allegations, we will proceed with legal action and disciplinary measures,” he stated.
If the committee finds evidence of wrongdoing, the university will take further action, which could include termination of services for the accused professor. The findings of the committee will be made public.
NSUI leader Naushad Choudhary, who filed the complaint, argued that the alleged leak had resulted in an unfair advantage for the student involved, claiming she had topped the exam despite being an average performer, while other students who had worked hard had suffered.