SOA students lock university gate even as govt assures action

Bhubaneswar:  Even after three days, the ITER college fake placement row refuses to die down with students locking the main gate of SOA University in protest despite assurances from college authorities and government as well.

Though the Higher Education department passed the responsibility to the Technical Education department, later the Technical Education minister Usha Devi said probe is on and action will be taken against the culprits.

“Probe is on and we will take action based on the findings,” said Usha.

Earlier today morning, the University students, who were on an indefinite hunger strike since yesterday, called off their stir following assurance from the varsity Vice-Chancellor. The Commissionerate Police also arrested ITER Dean (Placement) Rajkumar Hota for his alleged involvement in the fake placement issue.

“He is not being able provide us the proof of any agreement of the University with the Consultancy. Prima facie it seems like that placement in-charge is involved for which we have arrested him,” said Police Commissioner, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.

“Students may allege anything, but I have been working with the college since the past 14 years and you can ask anyone about by integrity. There is no fault of the college or university authorities, but it is a fraud from the consultancy’s side,” said Rajkumar.