Protest seeking arrest of Periyar University Vice-Chancellor in Salem

Members of the Periyar University Employees Union staging a protest demanding the arrest of Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan in Salem on Monday.
| Photo Credit: LAKSHMI NARAYANAN E

Demanding the arrest of Periyar University Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan, whose service extension ends on May 19, members of two university unions staged a black-flag protest on the campus on Monday.

Led by V. Vaithiyanathan, president of the Periyar University Teachers’ Association, and C. Sakthivel of the Periyar University Employees’ Union (PUEU), the protesters raised slogans against the Vice-Chancellor. They alleged that Mr. Jagannathan was involved in irregularities and corruption, and that an inquiry was currently being conducted by the Secretary of the Higher Education Department.

A case has also been registered against him for allegedly misusing his office by establishing the Periyar University Technology Entrepreneurship and Research Foundation (PUTER) and misappropriating funds. When the irregularities were questioned, the Vice-Chancellor reportedly made caste-based remarks, prompting a separate inquiry, they alleged.

The protesters stated that although Mr. Jagannathan was originally scheduled to retire on June 30, 2024, Governor R.N. Ravi extended his tenure until May 19, 2025. “He should be placed under suspension and arrested for the irregularities he had committed,” said Mr. Sakthivel.