Now Reading: Dalit scholar on indefinite strike at Kerala university over caste bias
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Dalit scholar on indefinite strike at Kerala university over caste bias
Dalit scholar on indefinite strike at Kerala university over caste bias
A Dalit research scholar, Anagha Sasi, has been on a public protest at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University in Tirur since August 15, alleging caste discrimination and academic sabotage by Assistant Professor Arun Babu V. She claims he told her she got admission due to her Scheduled Caste status, denied her lab access, failed to correct her synopsis, and assigned cleaning tasks instead of research work. She also alleges verbal abuse and threats to halt her fellowship.
Arun Babu has denied all allegations, stating he was not her formal supervisor and that lab restrictions did not exist. He said he provided only a willingness certificate for her fellowship. Anagha has filed complaints with the university, the Higher Education Minister, and the Chief Minister's office, with an officer appointed to investigate.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This case echoes a pattern of caste discrimination in Indian academia, where Dalit scholars often face exclusion from labs, mentoring, and infrastructure. Anagha's key leverage is the KSCSTE fellowship, which the university cannot unilaterally cancel without due process. The outcome hinges on the inquiry ordered by the Chief Minister's office, which typically recommends either a formal probe by the university syndicate or a police complaint. If proven, the university risks losing UGC accreditation and facing legal action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The next step is the inquiry report, expected within weeks.
Source: thenewsminute.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
