NIT-Calicut professor praising Godse appointed Dean; protests follow

Kozhikode

Dr. Shaija A, a professor at NIT-Calicut, has been appointed as the new Dean of the Planning and Development Department, despite facing a police case for praising Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi. The appointment, effective from March 7, has sparked strong opposition from political parties.

Shaija's controversial social media post from February last year, in which she allegedly expressed pride in Godse for assassinating Gandhi and saving India, led to complaints from organizations like DYFI, SFI, and Youth Congress. Following these complaints, she was questioned by police and charged under Section 153 of the IPC for provoking riots. She was granted anticipatory bail by the Kunnamangalam court.

Political reactions to her appointment have been swift, with DYFI organizing a protest march to NIT in protest. The appointment order specifies that Shaija will work alongside the current Dean, Dr. Priya Chandran, until the transition takes place. Shaija’s term as Dean is set for two years, subject to further orders.

The situation has raised significant concerns about the appropriateness of the appointment given the ongoing legal case and the strong political reactions.