JNU orders inquiry against suspended Dr Ashish Agnihotri

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has ordered an inquiry against a professor who was suspended earlier this week following allegations of financial irregularities and fraud.

“The vice-chancellor has ordered an enquiry against Dr Ashish Agnihotri and he has been given 10 days to submit a written statement in his defence of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour listed in the memo issued to him,” a senior university official said.

The university had suspended Mr Agnihotri, a professor at JNU’s Centre of Languages and vice-president of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA), following complaints that he claimed leave travel concession (LTC) and medical reimbursements of over `50,000 in respect to his parents by submitting false certificates. “Dr Ashish Agnihotri has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. This has the approval of the competent authority,” the suspension order read. “The V-C has also asked the professor not to leave Delhi without obtaining prior permission as long as the enquiry is underway and his suspension is in effect, ” the official added. Professor Agnihotri refused to comment on the issue. However, JNUTA has come out in his support alleging that the administration is indulging in witch-hunt.