Bhopal: College suspends student for calling teachers 'anti-national' on FB
A student of the Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalay (MVM) in Bhopal was expelled for one year after she termed its teaching staff as "anti-nationals" in her Facebook post. The post was uploaded after MVM authorities denied permission to hold a program at the college auditorium marking the death of revolutionary Bhagat Singh. Asma Khan, a BSc 2nd year student, was suspended by college's Staff Council.
Two groups wanted to hold program for Bhagat Singh's anniversary
"Two groups, the Bhagat Kranti Dal (BKD) and another students' union (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), had sought permission for their respective programs to mark Bhagat Singh's death anniversary which falls on March 23," college Principal Niraj Agnihotri said. "After permission was denied to both groups, BKD member Asma Khan called the teachers and professors anti-nationals in a Facebook post," he added.
Instead of apology, she had brought a lawyer: Principal
"She should either withdraw this post or submit an apology for such a comment. It is not acceptable. She also said that the college was patronizing anti-national activities," Agnihotri said, adding, instead of apologizing, Khan had brought a lawyer and some supporters to "pressurize" college.
The student expressed her dismay at college's action
"The student's post went viral on social media. We are not against such events but the college auditorium had been engaged till March 20 for a training program being conducted by the government. Moreover, there was a possibility that the duration of the training program could be extended," he said. Khan, meanwhile, expressed dismay at the college's action and called it hasty.
College suspended me due to ABVP's pressure
"It is surprising that college authorities decided to rusticate me for one year on the basis of a Facebook post without issuing me a show-cause notice," she said. She alleged, the action against her was taken under pressure from the ABVP which she claimed was out to "spoil" every activity of the BKD. Reportedly, the post was uploaded on March 19 and deleted immediately.
