Probe panel records statements

The probe panel constituted by Gujarat high court to look into allegations of sexual harassment made by girl students of Gandhi Vidyapeeth, Vedchhi, against the principal visited the institute on Monday and recorded statements of students and parents.

Several allegations were leveled against principal Deva Ahir by students of Gandhi Vidyapeeth's Bachelor in Rural Studies (BRS) department in April. The students had alleged that the principal visited their hostel in a seminude condition.

Principal Ahir and some other employees were transferred by the Vidyapeeth's trustees after a committee formed by Veer Narmad South Gujarat University recommended the move. Ahir, who was shifted to Lokbharti Sanstha, Bhavnagar, however, challenged his transfer in Gujarat High Court.

The high court constituted a probe panel comprising HC advocate Dr Ami Yagnik, Parikshita Gurjar and VNSGU registrar JR Mehta for an inquiry into the allegations. The high court also directed the committee to submit its report by July 21.

The probe panel visited the famous Vidyapeeth on Monday and recorded statements of students who had leveled the serious allegations against Ahir and another teacher. The panel also recorded statements of students' parents.

The panel members, however, refused to speak to reporters, saying they would submit their report before the Gujarat high court. They also refused to be photographed.