Complaint against DU teacher over objectionable post on Goddess Durga

The alleged post was made on Friday evening but was later taken down from Facebook. Attempts to reach him failed as his number was switched off and could not be reached.

A teachers’ group has filed a police complaint against a Delhi University teacher for allegedly writing an objectionable post on social media about Hindu Goddess Durga.

Durga Puja is round the corner.

The BJP-backed National Democratic Teachers’ Front (NDTF) on Saturday complained to the police against Kedar Kumar Mandal, an orthopedically challenged teacher at Dyal Singh College.

“This is an attempt to destroy the social harmony of the society. It is unbecoming of a teacher and cannot be tolerated. NDTF has lodged a police complaint and legal proceedings should be started against him,” said AK Bhagi, president of NDTF.

The alleged post was made on Friday evening but was later taken down from Facebook. Attempts to reach Mandal failed as his number was switched off.

IS Bakshi, principal of the college, said he had not received any complaint. Bakshi said Mandal is an assistant professor in the Hindi department.

“I have not received any complaint but came to know about the alleged Facebook post through colleagues. It is mindless and doesn’t suit the stature of a teacher. I will look into the matter on Monday,” he said.

A police officer confirmed that a complaint had been received and said that the matter was being analysed.

The RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demanded suspension of the teacher and said they would lodge a complaint with the college on Monday.

The ABVP asked students to boycott Mandal’s classes.

“We demand suspension of this person who has no respect for religious sentiments of Hindus as well as dignity of women. Such a person, if allowed to continue as a teacher, will only spread hatred amongst students,” said Saket Bahuguna, national media convener of ABVP.