DIVISION BETWEEN LECTURERS; ONE COMMITS SUICIDE;

Madikeri May 16, 2006

Division between lecturers in CET College Ponnampet yesterday ended in suicide by a lecturer.

Tension prevailed in college premises in the evening as police recovered the dead body of a lecturer Srinivas from a river at Bittangala near Ponnampet. The angry students attacked the TATA Sumo belonging to the principle and beat his driver. They demanded immediate action against five lecturers and alleged that Srinivas committed suicide unable to with stand the mental torture being meted to him by them. Intervention of police thwarted any untoward incidents.

The college witnessed a daylong hartal by students and walk out by lecturers. Students were protesting against a HOD Prakash alleging that he had misbehaved with a lady lecturer. Students were demanding action against him. But the supporters of Prakash, couple of lecturers walked out of classes.

Police registered a case against five lecturers, Mahantesh Bhajantri, Nagegowda, Yathish, Shashidar and Giriprakash for humiliating the deceased. The students and the brother of the deceased complained that the above group spread rumors about the deceased having relationship with a lady lecturer. Srinivas had left behind a letter stating that he is innocent. A bottle of sprite and poison was also recovered from the banks of the river where his body was traced at.

The student leaders stated that the protest would continue today also.

HINDU MASS MARRIAGE

The district committee of Al Madina yesterday conducted mass marriage and united nine couple.

In a joyous function conducted at Madikeri, nine girls hailing from a very poor family were united with suitable bridegrooms. The committee members stated that the couple was given 6 pawans of gold and cloths each.

COMPLAINT AGAINST TAHASILDAR, FOREST OFFICER;

Members of the taluyk Panchayath, Virajpet have decided to lodge complaint against tahasildar and forest officers, as they are continuously absent for meetings.

In a meeting held at Ponnampet yesterday, the members spat fire and said that the officials are escaping from their responsibilities and are ignoring the plights of the people. Many of the schemes and works are pending due to their negligence, they said. It was unanimously decided to complain against them to their higher officials.

The meeting noticed that though an action plan was approved earlier for 14 lakhs, only rupees 4.75 lakh was released so far. The members pointed out that the works approved in the last action plan also remains incomplete. It was decided to take up works on priority.