JNU revokes suspension of prof accused of financial

JNU has revoked the suspension of a professor against whom action was taken in July following allegations of financial irregularities, and penalised him by withholding one increment in his salary.
Ashish Agnihotri, professor at JNU's Centre of Languages and Vice President of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA), was suspended by the university following complaints that he claimed LTC and medical reimbursements of over Rs 50,000 in respect of his parents by submitting false certificates.
According to sources, the Executive Council of the JNU in its recent meeting decided to award the penalty of stopping one increment without cumulative effect to Agnihotri.

Representations were also made by certain quarters to HRD ministry, raising complaints against the professor and demanding institution of an inquiry against him.
The university had then ordered an inquiry and the Executive Council decided the penalty on the basis of the report.
The JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) had come out in his support alleging that the administration was indulging in a "witch-hunt" of teachers and asked for revocation of his suspension as the professor had accepted his "unintentional lapse".
When contacted, Agnihotri refused to comment on the issue.