Bengal governor asks Jadavpur VC to act in molestation case

West Bengal Governor K.N. Tripathi, who is also the Jadavpur University chancellor, Saturday cautioned Vice Chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarti for delaying action in the alleged molestation of a female student and directed him to act immediately.

"The governor has cautioned the vice chancellor (Chakrabarti) for the delay in taking action on the report relating to the molestation case and asked Ahim to take immediate action as per law," a Raj Bhavan press communique said.

With a section of them on an indefinite hunger strike, the students have been clamouring for Chakrabarti's removal since Sep 17 when the university authorities ordered a police crackdown on a sit-in by students who were demanding an independent investigation into the alleged molestation incident that took place in August.

The governor also expressed concern over the deterioration of health of the 12 students who are on fast and asked state Education Minister Partha Chatterjee to take care of the fasting students' heath and afford all necessary facilities to them.

"The governor has again appealed to the fasting students to call of their fast, particularly when the minister concerned is seriously considering their grievances," said the communique.

Chatterjee Friday met a section of protesting students and said he had apprised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the situation. He said they were reaching towards a solution though it was not clear what shape it would take.

The minister had a lengthy discussion with 12 students who are on an indefinite hunger strike, Chakrabarti and representatives of Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA), to solve the impasse.