Gadchiroli: Gondwana University (GU) has appointed Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Bhupathi, a former Maoist leader, as a coordinator at the Ekal Gram Sabha Training Centre. His role is limited to office and administrative tasks for a three-month period. The university’s clarification comes amid public scrutiny regarding his past affiliations.
Nandu Narote, adviser to the Maha Gram Sabha and office-bearer of the Adivasi Students Federation, said the body had given GU VC Bokare a 15-day ultimatum to take a decision on the appointment. “People cannot forget what happened during those 40 years. Over 250 tribal jawans were killed.
Because they had provided food to Bhupathi and his comrades,” he alleged, some villagers continue to languish in jail. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
Bhupathi has not been entrusted with conducting gram sabha sessions, delivering training or providing subject-specific guidance to participants, GU vice-chancellor Prashant Bokare said. VC said Bhupathi was appointed after an advertised recruitment process, scrutiny of documents and an interview. If Bhupathi’s appointment is not cancelled, the sabha would launch a protest march to the university, Narote said. At the same time, Gopi Madavi, who belongs to Gadchiroli, is yet to be rehabilitated,” Narote said.
His appointment followed the selection process conducted by the university and is not an academic or teaching position. “We are not against the rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists. But Bhupathi’s appointment is unacceptable for several reasons. He belongs to Andhra Pradesh and should be rehabilitated there. He is not a son of soil. Gadchiroli villagers can’t forget the violence and terror allegedly unleashed by Bhupathi, Narote added. Download the TOI App.
The sabha submitted a representation to GU VC seeking immediate withdrawal of the appointment.
Earlier, the Maha Gram Sabha, comprising local self-governing bodies in Gadchiroli district, opposed the appointment of Bhupathi.