Najeeb case: Official probing missing student case steps down

New Delhi: The JNU chief proctor, who was leading probes into the mysterious disappearance of MSc student Najeeb Ahmed and other disciplinary issues in the campus, has resigned from his post allegedly over some differences with the university administration.

Chief proctor A.P. Dimri confirmed his resignation, but refused to comment on the reasons behind his decision. This is the second time that a varsity chief proctor has resigned since the JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar assumed office in January last year.

The vice-chancellor met Mr Dimri on Tuesday following his resignation and decided to appoint Vibha Tandon, a professor in the university’s Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, as his replacement.

Mr Dimri’s predecessor had resigned citing personal reasons following the row over an on-campus rally to commemorate the hanging of the 2001 Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru, on February 9. Three students, accused of allegedly organising the event, were arrested on charges of sedition.

University officials said that Mr Dimri didn’t mention the reason for quitting his job in his resignation letter. Sources said that the chief proctor had differences with the vice-chancellor over handling of a few disciplinary issues in the campus, including the hostel fracas between two groups following which Mr Ahmed went missing.

“He was leading a probe into the case. Later, in December, the disruption of the academic council meeting also happened after which nine students were suspended. Mr Dimri had certain differences with the authorities over handling of these issues,” a university official said.

The proctor’s office is responsible for maintaining discipline in the campus. It is empowered to order inquiry, probe issues, and recommend punishment for the guilty.