Cops and bouncers at college gate block NU inquiry panel

Nagpur: The four-member committee appointed by the Nagpur University's Senate to investigate allegations against officiating principal of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi, was on Monday reportedly prevented from entering the campus. As per sources, police personnel and private bouncers were deployed to stop the team, triggering high drama outside the college premises. Questions were raised over alleged obstruction of an official probe.The four-member panel led by Senate member Nitin Kongre is investigating allegations against officiating principal Deepa Yash Panhekar, including withholding faculty promotions, harassment, ill-treatment and bribery. This was the second time the panel failed to access the campus for recording statements of complainants and the accused, and to gather evidence.Panhekar said the college management has challenged the formation of the inquiry committee in court. Though no stay has been granted, she claimed the university had earlier indicated it would await the court's decision. She also alleged bias as the Senate member who raised the issue himself was appointed as panel head. Panhekar added that the panel's previous visit on February 11 disrupted the academic environment.Kongre, however, said the university administration had directed the panel to proceed since there is no court stay despite multiple hearings. "We even sought police protection as the principal was not cooperating. Preventing entry is an insult to the university," he said.He further revealed that the panel has received multiple complaints from faculty and staff, alleging prolonged denial of promotions, demands for bribes, abrupt termination of contractual employees and even installation of CCTV cameras in washrooms.