3-member panel formed after Gujarat university professor grabs student's collar

A video showing a Nirma University professor grabbing a student's collar during a college event has triggered protests, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demanding action against the faculty member.The university has formed a committee of three senior directors to investigate the incident. Vice-Chancellor Dr RN Patel said the committee is expected to submit its report within three days, after which further action will be taken according to university rules.The incident took place during Technofora, a student event held at the Ahmedabad-based university last week.WHAT HAPPENED AT THE EVENT?The controversy erupted during a stand-up comedy programme at Technofora, organised by students of the university's Electronics and Instrumentation department. A video circulating on social media appears to show Professor HK Patel, the department head, calling a student from the audience onto the stage and grabbing him by the collar.The incident reportedly followed a student's remark using a dialogue from the film Golmaal 3. In the video, the professor warns the student against insulting any faculty member and says strict action could follow.WHY IS ABVP DEMANDING ACTION? ABVP activists protested at the university, alleging that the professor had publicly insulted and threatened the student. The organisation said the incident could affect the student's mental well-being and demanded action against the professor.Priyam Bhatia, ABVP's city general secretary, said the student was threatened with academic consequences.“The professor said that the student would not be able to do anything there and that he would fail him in all the exams. Such threats were also given,” Bhatia said.He added that ABVP was opposing the incident because of its potential impact on students.WHAT HAS THE UNIVERSITY SAID?Vice-Chancellor Dr RN Patel said the university spoke to both the professor and the student after the incident. He said the professor apologised, while the student also acknowledged his mistake and apologised for his comment.“After that, at the university level, we have made a committee of three senior professors. The committee's report will come in three to four days,” Patel said.He added that the university had also spoken to the parents concerned. Further action will be decided after the committee submits its findings.- Ends