N. Sarasu, former Principal of the Government Victoria College here, on Wednesday said activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) were responsible for the ‘grave’ that appeared on the campus on the day of her retirement. She has approached the police seeking action.
A symbolic grave appeared in front of the main building of the college on March 31 and the inscriptions on it said the grave was dug for Principal N. Sarasu, who was retiring after 23 years of service. A wreath was placed on the grave, which was decorated with yellow and pink flowers. A death note was found next to it with scathing allegations against Ms. Sarasu, whose certain actions as Principal had provoked not only SFI activists but also teachers of the pro-CPI(M) service organisation.
She told The Hindu that it was SFI activists who dug the grave to insult her. “They were targeting me ever since I assumed the office of the Principal and initiated a set of reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education and overall discipline. By doing so, they tried to make my retiring day as my day of death. It is intolerance of a different kind,” she said.
Meanwhile, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists in the college have extended support to the retired Principal and staged several protests condemning the incident. A section of teachers have also come out in support of Ms. Sarasu, who was arguably strict in allowing campus politics. SFI leaders said the incident was the handiwork of its opponents to tarnish their image. “We have serious differences with the retired Principal. But we believe in expressing our differences in a democratic manner. Defaming or insulting somebody is not our culture. The rivals knew that we had some issues with her, so obviously, any act against her will point a finger only at us,” said SFI district secretary Jayadevan.
The district police have registered cases against eight SFI activists.
The grave appeared on the campus the day she was retiring after 23 years of service
