Dr. BK Roy, the dean of academics at NIT-Silchar, who faced allegations of harassment by students that were linked to a third-year student’s suicide, has been temporarily relieved of his duties. According to NIT Registrar KL Baishnab, Dr. Lalit Kumar Saikia will assume the role temporarily until further notice.
Baishnab urged the protesting students to end their demonstrations and return to their classes, emphasizing that their concerns can be resolved through dialogue. He highlighted the potential impact on the students’ future if NIT-Silchar’s reputation is tarnished.
The students had initiated a hunger strike, demanding the removal of the dean (academics), alleging that he had a history of mistreating students and was a major factor in the third-year electrical engineering student’s death.
Baishnab noted ongoing discussions and counseling efforts with the students regarding their studies and future. He also clarified that decisions related to academic matters, attendance, grading, and other issues could be officially addressed during the upcoming senate meeting on October 6.
In response to the escalating crisis, students had written to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing concerns about the institute’s administration causing chaos and distress on campus. They requested an FIR related to the alleged suicide, comprehensive support for the student’s family, assurance of no disciplinary or academic action against protesting students, and the establishment of a high-level committee for academic reforms and student well-being.
Kok Buker, the student from Arunachal Pradesh, was discovered dead in his hostel room on September 15. The protests had escalated, leading to the alleged vandalism of the dean’s residence and a subsequent police lathi-charge that resulted in injuries to 40 students.