Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athavale met Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde here today and demanded "interim administrative control" of Siddharth College of Commerce and Economics, which is sub-judice.
"I have demanded Tawdeji 'interim administrative control' over the institution until the court gives its final verdict, since an illegally appointed principal is ruining the college's prestige," Athavale said.
Meanwhile, Siddharth College's Principal In-charge U M Maske alleged that Athavale's "goons" took his signature on his "suspension letter" at gun point at his home on April 15.
"Around 25 goons sent by Athavale took me hostage for over two hours and took my signature on by suspension letter at my Mira Road residence on April 15 and the very same night I complained to the Mira Road police. Today I filed an application letter to the police commissioners of Mumbai and Thane to give me protection, since I face a threat to my life," Maske said.
Maske also released closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage to reporters which showed a few manhandling Shahdev Nath Khetre, an office assistant of the Siddharth College.
"These are Athavale's henchmen, including a suspended principal Krishna Patil," Maske said, while showing the CCTV footage.
However, Athavale vehemently rubbished these charges and said, "Maske is an illegally appointed principal and he does not have any right to run the office".
"This is what I briefed the Education Minister today and explained to him the illegality behind the appointment of the principal in-charge," Athavale told PTI.
"These really unfortunate incidents take place in Baba Saheb's college, merely because incompetent people have been in charge," he said.
