A fact-finding committee at Jadavpur University has taken a significant step in its investigation into the recent hijab controversy, recommending the temporary removal of a department head until its inquiry concludes. The committee was formed to probe an incident where two undergraduate students were asked to remove their hijabs during an examination.
Committee's First Meeting and Key Decision
The five-member panel, chaired by Syed Tanveer Nasreen, held its inaugural meeting on Monday. During this session, the committee recorded statements from one of the two third-year undergraduate students involved and from English Head of Department Saswati Halder. The second student was absent as she is at her hometown and is scheduled to give her statement at the next meeting on January 19.
A pivotal outcome of the meeting was the decision to formally request Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee to release Professor Halder from her current responsibilities as HoD. This action is proposed to be in effect until the committee submits its final report to the VC. The recommendation aligns with an earlier suggestion from the state minorities commission, which on December 30 advised that Halder stay off campus during the probe.
Controversial Incident and Conflicting Narratives
The controversy erupted on December 22 when Halder, suspecting malpractice, asked the two students to remove their hijabs during an exam. The incident triggered significant discontent, culminating two days later in a protest where students displayed posters stating "No space for Islamophobia in JU" during the university's convocation.
The committee's proceedings have already revealed discrepancies in the accounts provided. While Halder stated she apologized to the students both before and after the check, the student who testified denied receiving any apology. Furthermore, a claim by the HoD that extra time was allotted to the students was also contradicted by the student's testimony.
In her emotional deposition, Halder reportedly told the committee she was merely performing her duty and had no intention to hurt anyone. She expressed readiness to apologize again and also described the harassment she faced following the convocation protest.
Dissent and Pending Decision
The committee's decision was not unanimous. Kazi Masum Akhtar, the chancellor's nominee to the JU executive council and a committee member, recorded a note of dissent. He argued that removing Halder was "unscientific" and would dishonor a teacher before the investigation's completion, potentially sending a wrong message to society.
Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee has acknowledged the recommendation, stating he will review it on Tuesday before making a final decision. When approached for comment by the media, Professor Saswati Halder declined to speak on the matter. The university community now awaits the VC's call and the next phase of the committee's investigation.
