JOIN USHundreds of post-graduate students and research scholars from Mumbai University with black handkerchiefs on their mouths, took out a silent march on Sunday in front of the Convocation Hall, protesting against the suspension of Professor Neeraj Hatekar of Economics Department ostensibly on the grounds that he spoke to the media regarding the maladministration and corruption in the varsity.
Incidentally, the chief guests invited to attend the annual convocation ceremony abstained on various grounds after the suspension controversy broke out which is fast cascading into a major scandal enveloping the vice-chancellor of the 156-year-old varsity.
The protest march organised under the banner of University Community for Democracy and Equality (UCDE) comprised not just students and teachers but also karamcharis (Class-IV employees and other administrative staff). The protest also received support from various student organisations demanding withdrawal of the suspension order and an inquiry into the maladministration and appointments of ineligible people.