A protest demonstration was held in the Jammu University campus over the victimization of a university professor, Chander Shekhar Chandra, by the administration because of his low-caste background that led to his unfortunate death. According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest was organized by civil society activists and some JU employees to push for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the suspicious death of Professor Chander Shekhar Chandra that was covered as suicide by the university administration. Chandra was found hanging from a tree in Psychology Department on September 7. Shouting slogans, the protesters blocked the road in front of JU main gate and also tried to take out a protest march. However, Police did not allow them to proceed further. The protesting activists said that Jammu University administration was influencing the investigation by the JK police to shield the officers who were responsible for the death of the professor.

Prof Chandra was found hanging from a tree soon after his suspension on the charges of sexual harassment of girl students. A JU committee, comprising almost all upper caste Hindus, had recommended a necessary action against the deceased professor on mere complaint of some girls. Alleging that the deceased was a victim of castism, the protesting activists sought an action against JU Registrar, Head of Department (Psychology) and other officials for forcing the professor to take such an extreme step because of low- caste background. They demanded that the suspension of all top university officials till the inquiry is finalized. The protest was also joined by some JU employees, faculty members and students. Pertinent to mention that Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) has also suspended work for two days on September 12-13 over the mysterious death of Prof Chander Shekhar. The J&K police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP