A conflict between hostel inmates at Ravenshaw University and a deputy warden has turned into a political confrontation, with faculty members and local Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakash Sethi trading misconduct charges against each other.
Earlier, residents of the university’s East Hostel began an indefinite hunger strike to demand the resignation of deputy warden Rabiul Ansari. The protest erupted after students returned from Friendship Day celebrations on the night of August 1 to find two of their hostel rooms locked.
Students alleged that the deputy warden harassed them by locking their rooms while they were out celebrating Friendship Day.
Visiting the East Hostel, Ravenshaw University Vice-Chancellor Arka Kumar Das Mohapatra stated that all the grievances of the students would be addressed soon.
“Yes, two rooms were locked for a temporary period,” the VC said, replying to a question.
BJP MLA for Cuttack Sadar, Prakash Sethi, participated in a meeting convened by the Vice-Chancellor to settle the dispute.
Attending the discussion as a Senate member and local public representative, the MLA alleged that Chief Warden of Hostels, Sudarshan Mishra, acted inappropriately toward him.
He alleged that the chief warden repeatedly interrupted him while he was addressing the meeting.
Sethi subsequently wrote a letter to Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy requesting action against Mishra for allegedly showing disrespect to an elected representative.
Speaking to reporters, Sethi characterized Mishra’s conduct as “gross misconduct
Following the MLA’s accusations, wardens across all 13 campus hostels submitted their resignations.
The Ravenshaw University Teachers Association (RUTA) dismissed the legislator’s claims and instead accused the MLA of behaving unprofessionally during the meeting.
The teachers’ association demanded an apology from the MLA, alleging he used abusive language toward Mishra.
Faculty members also staged a protest march across the campus to denounce the MLA’s actions.
The Vice-Chancellor urged both the teaching staff and the MLA to reconcile their differences as it is linked with the reputation of the century-old institution.
“I also appeal to the wardens to refrain from resigning. I have not accepted their resignation,” the VC said.
Meanwhile, inmates of the East Hostel continue their demonstration to press for action against the warden who locked their rooms on August 1.
