Special Correspondent
Panaji
Goa University has placed its assistant professor at the School of Physical and Applied Sciences under suspension, following allegations that he had disclosed examination question paper to a student.
Some complaints were filed against the assistant professor at Agacaim police station in this regard.
“Dr Pranav Naik has been placed under suspension with effect from March 17, 2025 until further orders pending inquiry proceedings,” stated an order issued in this regards by Goa University.
The Vice-Chancellor informed that although no official complaint of paper theft has been received by the university, it has set up a fact-finding committee which will give its report within
48 hours.
He also assured that if any mischief is reported in the findings necessary action would be initiated. He said there has been no complaint from any one on question paper theft has been lodged with him, so far.
Menon said there was however an issue about opening of the cabin of other faculty member by the accused faculty member, allegedly for taking some chemicals for experiment from the cabin and the matter was sorted out after an apology was tendered.
Media reports as regards a faculty in the physics department stealing question papers from the cabins of his colleagues and sharing them with his female student had made the
headlines.
A complaint demanding thorough investigation into the incident was filed at the Agacaim police station by a social activist Kashinath Shetye and six others, followed by another complaint filed by the National Students Union of India (NSUI, the students wing of Congress party), Youth Congress and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee urging the university to terminate the services of the accused professor.
Furthermore, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the students wing of the BJP, marched onto the administrative building of university demanding immediate action in the matter.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the students that due action will be initiated.
Some university students led by Goa Forward students cell member Hrithik Mandrekar also met with the Vice-Chancellor, demanding action in the matter.
“We won’t keep quiet until there is action in this matter,” said Mandrekar.
Incidentally, it is learnt that the said paper leakage had happened last year, after which there was a total silence over the issue, until a whistle-blower “exposed” the same.
Meanwhile, the accused assistant professor continued to be part of the examination process without facing any penalty or inquiry.
Shetye on Sunday claimed that the varsity authorities were aware of the case but had not acted due to political pressure from a former minister.
It has been alleged that the assistant professor leaked the paper to the female student who topped the class.
