Trouble appears to be trailing suspended Maharaja Sayajirao University Fine Arts Faculty, Baroda, incharge dean Shivaji Panikar who was attacked in Ahmedabad at the St. Xavier’s Loyola where he was to inaugurate an arts exhibition and film festival organised by social organisation Anhad.
Hooliganism in Gujarat once again reared its head as  Panikar’s car was attacked with stones and bamboo sticks by a 25-30 strong mob as he reached the gates of the venue. Panikar was greeted with slogans “Go Back Panikar, We will slaughter you, we will kill you,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jay.” Panikar and his driver were heckled and attempts were made to pull them out of the car.
“The mob comprising people wielding lathis and some of them having red tilaks on their forehead tried to pull me out. They shattered all the glasses of my car,” Panikar said.
While the whole drama lasted for five to six minutes, it once again ignited the debate on freedom of expression and intolerance in the state.