Former SC/ST officer quizzed over political links to protests

Trichy: Professor K Suriyan, director of the centre for study of social exclusion in BDU and former SC/ST liaison officer, appeared before an inquiry panel on Friday over allegations of bringing political elements into the university.The inquiry panel consisted of two syndicate members - Prof Sethuraman and Prof Paari - and two external members, Alagappa university chemistry HoD M Sundarajan and legal advisor Senthil Kumar.Committee members told TOI that both the complainant, Mullai Vendan, and Suriyan were questioned and asked to submit their explanations in writing. The complaints against Suriyan include allegedly mobilising political outfits to stage protests on the campus and block buses.

Another complaint alleges that he made derogatory remarks and spread false information against non-teaching staff.“We have been asked to find an amicable solution,” committee members said.Over the past few months, Suriyan had organised multiple protests inside the university against his removal from the post of SC/ST liaison officer. He had also accused the university of caste discrimination, alleging that it failed to follow the SC/ST roster system in promotions and appointments. He further alleged that, in his capacity as SC/ST liaison officer, he had submitted several minutes of the SC/ST standing committee, only for them to be merely noted by the syndicate instead of being approved.

There were also instances where members from the VCK had carried out protests to support his cause.