University faces uproar over police notice, administration apologizes

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chaos erupted at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University’s budget session after the Begumpura police issued a notice to a Senate member, warning of legal action over potential disturbances. The uproar forced the vice-chancellor and registrar to apologize, assuring that such an incident would not happen again. The police later withdrew the notice, allowing proceedings to resume.

The 2025-26 budget session was held on Saturday at Mahatma Phule Auditorium. A day earlier, Dr. Umakant Rathod, a Senate member, received a police notice, triggering outrage among faculty members. Dr Narendra Kale condemned the move, calling it an attack on democracy and an unprecedented incident in the university’s history. Sunil Magare declared they would not tolerate actions against Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar ideologies.

Several members, including Dr Ankush Kadam, Dr Sanjay Kamble, Dr Bharat Khairnar, Prof. Haridas Somwanshi, and Dr Munja Dhondge, took a firm stand, demanding accountability. Vice-chancellor Dr Vijay Fulari clarified that the university had no role in the police notice and expressed regret. However, members insisted that registrar Dr Prashant Amrutkar apologize, with Dr Kamble even demanding his resignation. Eventually, Amrutkar issued a formal apology. Despite efforts to proceed, members refused to continue until an official withdrawal of the notice was received. Dr Fulari contacted the police from the Senate hall, instructing them to revoke it. Shortly after, a formal letter of withdrawal arrived, and the meeting resumed.

Committee formed for investigation

The vice-chancellor appointed a five-member committee to investigate the issuance of the police notice. The panel includes pro-vice-chancellor Dr Valmik Sarwade, Dr Ankush Kadam, Dr Yogita Hoke Patil, Dr Vikram Khilare, and Dr Bharat Khairnar.

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