By J Shanmugha Sundaram
Published: 24th June 2015 06:02 AM
VELLORE:A 35-year-old teacher with the Government Adi Dravidar Welfare Middle School, Melottivakkam in Kancheepuram, with 16 years of service, was suspended on Monday for having been booked in seven cases a few months ago on charges relating to protests by Kalathur villagers against sand quarrying at the Palar. The fact that he was suspended by the school within a day of officials receiving word about his charges, without seeking any explanation from the teacher, has the villagers of Kalathur suspecting the hand of the sand mafia behind the suspension.
V Parankusan is a secondary-grade assistant teacher. The school’s administration in its order stated Parankusan is accused of “inciting criminal and illegal activities, and irregularities while in service.”
D Manoharan, Adi Dravidar Welfare Officer of Kancheepuram, received communication from the Directorate that police have named Parankusan in seven cases and to conduct an inquiry, which Manoharan did.The school’s authorities invoked Section 17 (e) of Tamil Nadu Civil Service Rules and placed Parankusan under suspension. They charged that he had kept the department in the dark about the criminal cases filed against him. Manoharan said failing to keep the department informed about the cases charged against him is a violation of government rules. Parankusan claims that he was merely trying to educate the villagers of the negative and irreversible impact of sand quarrying.
“I educated the villagers about the negative impact of sand quarrying. I neither participated nor did I instigate the villagers into protesting against sand quarrying,” he said. “I was not asked for an explanation as required by the rules and yet they have placed me under suspension.”
Police sources said, Parankusan was named as the prime accused in two cases filed at the Avalur Police for participating in protests organised against the proposed sand quarrying. He was also named as an accused in five other cases related to the protests. He approached the Madras HC and obtained anticipatory bail for the two cases he has been named as the prime accused. Villagers suspect that the department’s move is the handiwork of the sand mafia, who wield influence with political parties. “The department has proceeded to take action against the teacher in one day. It is clear that influential people are behind this,” said a villager.
Kalathur has BJP Support: Ganesan
A National Council member of BJP, L Ganeshan, on Tuesday, said his party was ready to extend free legal aid to Kalathur villagers protesting against sand quarrying. BJP is ready to join hands with other parties in raising its voice, he said
No comments:
Post a Comment