College suspends students in viral photo

Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal has decided to suspend the students whose photograph went viral on social media–WhatsApp and Facebook–until further orders.

In a letter dated February 23, to the Mangalore University Student Welfare Officer and Registrar, the Principal said: “The incident, the photo and its circulation in social media has created emotional outbursts among the student community and the public. In order to inquire into the matter, a committee was constituted comprising senior staff members of the college as well as the director - administration of the college.” The parents and students who were involved in the case were asked to be present at the committee meeting held on Monday.

The letter said the issue needs to be referred to a separate committee comprising representatives of Mangalore University and the college management. The principal has appealed to the university to nominate a representative to the committee.

Unidentified anti-social elements kidnapped and assaulted a student, Mohammed Riyaz, 20, on Sunday, after the photo–him lying on the laps of girl students–went viral on WhatsApp and Facebook.