
Varsity to look into caste slur
The University of Mumbai has decided to investigate the alleged caste slur hurled at Vishnu Sarwade, a Dalit professor by the Dean of arts faculty Parvathi Venkatesh.
“We have received representations from both parties. We will be examining the reports and take the necessary step on Monday,” said AD Sawant, pro vice-chancellor. “Prima facie, the registrar has examined the issue.”
A senior officer from the Azad Maidan police station who refused to be quoted because he is not authorised to talk to the press said, “The concerned parties and witnesses have been called on Monday afternoon to record their statements.” The decision to lodge a first information report based on the Prevention of the Atrocities Act will be taken after the Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police study the report. Meanwhile, Venkatesh will continue to hold charge.
Sawant said that as per the report received from Venkatesh, Sarwade — head of the Hindi department — was aggressive during the meeting stating that the tabled item must be taken.
“She adjourned the meeting. After the registrar requested her to conduct the meeting and clear the agenda items, she continued,” said Sawant.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Dilip Walse Patil refused to comment saying he was not aware of the incident.
According to Sarwade’s complaint filed on July 7 with the Azad Maidan police, he was abused when he requested an external examiner for a PhD that Sunil Chavan, head of the Hindi department at Arts & Commerce College in Lanja, Ratnagiri, was working on under him. Chavan is a Dalit too and was working on a thesis on Dalit writer Mohandas Naimishray.

Farooq Abdullah says 'can't even kiss my wife' because of pandemic

Shiv Sena gets ambitious, to contest 100 seats in Bengal assembly polls
- The Shiv Sena which is a marginal force in West Bengal, is aiming to punch much above its weight.

Covid-19 vaccine drive: Health Ministry instructs states to identify bottlenecks

I&B ministry summons Amazon Prime India officials after controversy over Tandav
- BJP parliamentarian from Maharashtra Manoj Kotak and West Ghatkopar MLA Ram Kadam demanded a ban on the series.

Facebook, Twitter representatives to appear before IT parliamentary panel
- HT had reported on Wednesday that the panel was mulling the decision in the wake of the privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp’s new policy.

IRCTC to resume cooked food supply to passengers in trains soon: Eastern Railway

Govt procures paddy worth ₹1.06 lakh crore so far this kharif season

News updates from Hindustan Times: Plea on farmers tractor rally in SC on Monday

LoC infiltration down by 70%, surrender policy for terrorists in the works: Army
- Chinar Corps commander Lt Gen BS Raju said the Line of Control remains fairly active because of Pakistan's attempts to push in terrorists.

Record construction of 534 km of national highways in one week, says govt

Rajinikanth's 'Makkal Mandram' office-bearers join DMK

SC to hear plea of Delhi Police to stay tractor rally by farmers on Republic Day
- The Delhi Police in its application seeking injunction against farmers taking out a tractor rally had said that the tractor rally could cause law and order problems and embarrass the country.

Farmers stage protest rally against new farm laws in Jammu

At 103, India's first voter casts vote in Himachal Pradesh panchayat polls
