Intellectuals on Thursday reiterated their demand for strong action against Sambalpur University VC Sanjib Mittal including his immediate arrest as per the decision of the Supreme Court.“Dying declaration could be the sole basis for conviction if it is true and voluntary.
And that has happened in the case of DinabandhuMishra, a temporary employee of SU,” said former MP (LS)- cum-president of the All India University Employees Association,Bhabani Hota while addressing the media through virtual mode whereother intellectuals of the district were present.
“VC Mittal has clearly abetted the murder of Dinabandhu and there areclear documental evidences,” said Hota and others, adding, “We fail to understand why both the State Government and State Governor who is the Chancellor of universities are silent on a vital issue that led to self immolation of an honest man.” Former MLA and president of Sambalpur University Employees’ Union, Dr Raseswari Panigrahi said former VC of Berhampur University Dr Aditya Prasad Padhi, former HoD of Physics and president of Sambalpur University Retired Employees Union Dr Shankar Prasad Pati, vice-president of the Sambalpur University Employees Union Nirupama NayaK, apart from Hota, were present. “All is not well since Mittal joined as VC in Sambalpur University.
Two senior officers of State Government under deputation to Sambalpur University have intimated it to the Secretary, Higher Education, much earlier including his illegal orders to commit both financial and administrative irregularities,” said Nayak.
Prof Padhi said, “VC Mittal is violating all statutes and procedures of the university for his vested interest. He is virtually going to ruin this age-old institution for his ego and selfishness.” “A culprit is being given scope and time to hush up the irregularities.
He is also influencing the witnesses and trying to break the union. Hence, he should be removed immediately from his post to facilitate an impartial enquiry,” said former MLA Dr Panigrahi.