Students protest for and against V-C

Students protest for and against V-C

While one group sought justice for Surappa, another demanded his suspension

21/11/2020

Vocal power: Members of the SFI demanding action against Anna University Vice-Chancellor M.K. Surappa in Chennai on Friday. At right, a group of students and staff staging a protest in support of the Vice-Chancellor.B. JOTHI RAMALINGAMB. Jothi Ramalingam

Special CorrespondentCHENNAI

Anna University witnessed two student protests on Friday. While one group demanded that Vice-Chancellor M.K. Surappa be dismissed, another demanded justice for him.

A week ago, the State government constituted an inquiry commission, headed by a single retired judge, to probe into allegations of corruption against him.

The government cited allegations of misappropriation of ₹280 crore, corruption and faculty appointment for financial benefits against Mr. Surappa.

The V-C has said that the allegations were baseless and that he was ready to face any inquiry.

On Friday, around 100 persons representing the Students’ Federation of India staged a protest outside the university’s gates, demanding his suspension as the inquiry was pending.

On the campus, a group of students and professors held placards that said “#WeSupportSurappa” and “#JusticeForSurappa”. Research scholar Preethi Ramadoss, who led the protest on the campus, said the V-C had taken up students’ issues immediately and resolved them amicably, and was always on the side of the