JOIN US The University of Mysore (UoM) bandh, called by leaders of various students organisations on Friday, against UoM Vice Chancellor K S Rangappa evoked good response.
The agitators demanded dismissal and immediate arrest of Rangappa for his alleged involvement in irregularities in the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU).
The agitators launched the protest in front of the UoM main gate at 8 am. They blocked the way of varsity staff members, including professors from entering the campus. Later they submitted a memorandum to UoM in-charge VC Balasubramaniyan and Registrar C Basavaraju.
The students took out a protest march from the UoM main entrance to the deputy commissioner’s office. They raised slogans against the VC and demanded his arrest. As many as 200 agitators, including students of Maharaja’s and Yuvaraja’s College, joined the march in front of Crawford Hall, the administrative block of the varsity. The students staged a protest in front of the hall for a few minutes and shifted to the DC office premises.
The protesters urged Governor, also the Chancellor of universities, Vajubhai R Vala, to dismiss the VC and immediate arrest of former VC, KSOU, M G Krishnan and all other accused in the irregularities.
The agitators also threatened to launch an indefinite stir on Tuesday, if no action was taken. Members of Dalit Vidyarthi Okkutta, Bahujana Vidyarthi Parishat, Vidyarthi Basava Balaga, Yuva Pragathipara Chintakara Sangha and Vishwavidyalaya Ulisi Horata Vedike have called for a bandh.
It may be mentioned that the Jayalakshmipuram police on August 20 registered an FIR against seven people including Rangappa and Krishnan, following a complaint by KSOU Finance Officer K Khader Pasha. The complaint was registered based on the directions of Governor Vajubhai R Vala. According to the complaint, Rangappa and Krishnan were involved in irregularities in purchasing furniture and computers for the varsity during their tenure. An FIR is also filed against Dean T D Devegowda, Deputy Registrar Ramanatham Naidu, Registrar P S Nayak, former registrar B S Vishwanath and Director of IT Kamalesh.
As the protest was launched before the arrival of UoM staff members on the campus, except Crawford Hall, most of the departments remained closed. Even students, who were out of the protest, remained out of classes.
City police had intensified security to avert any untoward incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police N Rudramuni, two assistant commissioners, four inspectors, eight sub-inspectors, 100 constables and two KSRP units were deputed for security.