BHU row: V-C goes on 'leave'

After intervention from the Prime Minister's Office, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Vice-Chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi went on leave citing "personal reasons" on Monday. The move comes nine days after a large number of female students were lathicharged for raising their voice against inaction in a case of molestation on the campus.

The campus reopens on Tuesday and students had planned another round of protests. They have cancelled their plan. BHU sources said that UP Chief Secretary Rajeev Kumar and Secretary Education (HRD Ministry) KK Sharma met students on Monday and sent their report to the PMO. The V-C was then directed to go on leave.

The V-C had earlier said that he would send his resignation if he is asked to go on leave. Calls and messages to the V-C went unanswered.

The Registrar will oversee the functioning of the university in the absence of the V-C. T"We met officials from HRD Ministry and CM's office. They heard our demands and assured that action will be taken. Our biggest demand was that the V-C should go and that has happened. Hence we decided to cancel Tuesday's protest," said a BHU student who was part of the delegation that met the officials on Monday.

Meanwhile, a police team recorded the statements of female students. It also issued notices to the V-C, then Chief Proctor, Proctorial Board members and teachers about the violence and their failure to act in time.

(With inputs from Srawan Shukla in Lucknow)