Visva-Bharati suspends economics professor Sudipto Bhattacharya

Visva-Bharati University authorities on Thursday (January 7) suspended Sudipto Bhattacharyya, an economics professor for allegedly making derogatory remarks and circulating a complaint against a colleague.

The suspension notice states, "The Visva-Bharati executive council decided that disciplinary proceedings are to be initiated following applicable rules against Prof Sudipto Bhattacharya and also decided to place him under suspension with immediate effect." 

According to sources, Sudipto Bhattacharyya recently lodged a complaint with Prime Minister PM Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other senior officials questioning the appointment of the principal of one of the university’s schools. 

Later, the principal had lodged a complaint against Sudipto Bhattacharya with the university administration.

Many colleagues of Sudipto Bhattacharyya questioned if a person could be suspended for lodging a complaint over an appointment.

On the same day, the Visva-Bharati authorities mentioned in their suspension letter that SudiptaoBhattacharya had spread defamatory and false allegations against an employee through various means. The matter came up in the Education Committee, where many of the professors protested.

According to sources, a committee has also been formed to investigate Sudipto Bhattacharya’s case.