BANAE writes to the Ministry of Education demanding the suspension of Avalendra Kumar Thakur
Patna – The controversy surrounding an alleged post shared on social media in the name of IIT Patna Registrar and Dean (Administration) Avalendra Kumar Thakur has now reached the police station and the central government. A Dalit youth from Patna has filed a complaint at the SC/ST police station in Patna, demanding the registration of an FIR against Thakur. Citing this complaint, the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE) has written to the Secretary and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, demanding Thakur’s suspension. Thakur is refusing to accept the post as his own.
Complainant Aditya Kumar Paswan, in his application to the Station House Officer (SHO), identified himself as a member of the Scheduled Caste community. He has accused Thakur of hurting the sentiments of the Dalit community, insulting the Constitution, and spreading animosity in society.
According to the complaint, Thakur posted on LinkedIn and other social media platforms calling for a review of the reservation and exemption policy and termed it a political tool to create and maintain a “vote bank”. According to the complainant, Thakur wrote another post on his social media account:
Don’t be capable, be a Dalit, success will follow you – Indian Constitution.
The complainant claims this line was written in the name of the “Indian Constitution,” but there is no such thing in the Constitution. According to him, it implies that Dalits achieve success not through merit but solely through caste, which is an insult to the talent and struggle of the Dalit community and a denigration of the Constitution. He alleges that after the post became public and drew protests, the accused deleted it, but he retains a screenshot of it and has attached it with the complaint.
Paswan wrote that he himself belongs to the Dalit community and was deeply shocked by the post. He believes that such a public statement by a high-ranking government official could increase hatred and resentment towards Dalits and reserved communities and threaten social harmony. He added that the matter is even more serious given the accused’s position, as students and employees from reserved communities expect justice under him. The complainant demands that the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be repealed. An FIR should be registered under relevant sections (i.e., sections 196, 299, and 353) of the Prevention of Atrocities (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the Indian Penal Code, 2023. All digital evidence related to both posts, especially the deleted Facebook post, should be preserved. Information should be sought from the concerned social media company, and the matter should be investigated impartially and timely and legal action should be taken.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and the Joint Secretary in charge of IIT, BANAE National President Nagsen Sonare cited the complaint filed at the SC/ST police station in Patna. The letter alleges that Thakur, through his LinkedIn posts and other social media, mocked and insulted the entire SC/ST community and the Indian Constitution. The organization states that this violates IIT Patna’s conduct rules and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.
The letter demands:
- Thakur be suspended,
- IIT Patna should take the initiative to file an FIR against him,
- The Ministry should direct the Director of IIT Patna to take immediate action. Give instructions.
What is the controversy?
IIT Patna has received several complaints from faculty members and rights activists. These include comments allegedly made on LinkedIn and Facebook in Thakur’s name. The LinkedIn post called on the government to review the reservation provision for 10 years in the Constitution.
A faculty member from the institute’s Electrical Engineering Department wrote to the Director, demanding the preservation of evidence, a formal investigation, and disciplinary action. Another faculty member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that such comments from a person holding a position like the Registrar could erode the trust of students and faculty. Activist Anil Wagde also sought information from the Chairman and Director about the action taken and demanded an FIR.
Director Amit Patra stated that the matter is being investigated. He said, “Necessary action will be taken if the allegations are proven.”
Thakur has denied these posts, calling them “fake, fabricated, tampered with, and false.” He also stated that his opponents may have fabricated more such material, of which he is aware. He is not, and he will take action against those who posted these comments in his name.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News