Even after three days, the row over the fake placement fiasco in the ITER (Institute of Technical Education and Research) continued unabated on Friday with protesting students locking the main gate of the SOA University, which runs the institute.
Though Higher Education Department Minister Ananta Das had earlier assured of action against the institute’s authorities, he on Friday passed the buck to the Technical Education Department. later, Technical Education Minister Usha Devi said a probe is on and action would be taken against the culprits.
Earlier in the day, the students, who were on an indefinite hunger strike from Thursday called off the fast following an assurance from the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
The Commissionerate police also arrested ITER Dean (Placement) Rajkumar Hota for his alleged involvement in the fake placement issue.
“He is not being able provide us the proof of any agreement of the university with the consultancy agency. Prima facie, it seems that placement in-charge is involved in the irregularity, for which we have arrested him,” said Commissioner of Police YB Khurania.
Hota, however, said, “Students may allege anything, but I have been working with the college since the past 14 years, and you can ask anyone about my integrity. There is no fault on the parts of the college or university authorities, but it is a fraud from the consultancy’s side,” claimed Hota.
In another development, at a Press conference here, the Aam Admi Party demanded arrest of SOA and ITER promoter Manoj Ranjan Nayak. Party leader Susant Pradhan said the college is just two km from the residence of Nayak, and CCTV cameras footages are at his fingertips. How come he did not know of the bunglingIJ” We demand his arrest,” said he.