Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University Syndicate has ordered a follow-up enquiry into the admission of SFI former secretary P.M. Arsho to the 7th semester of the Integrated Archaeology Course at Ernakulam Government Maharaja’s College, despite his reportedly insufficient attendance. Arsho’s attendance was reportedly 10% in a semester. The Syndicate, at its meeting on August 21, resolved to review the earlier decision in the matter.
It is alleged that Arsho was given admission to the 7th semester by the former Principal despite lacking sufficient attendance. The Registrar had reportedly informed the former Syndicate, which was Left-dominated, about the matter. However, the case was closed after a warning was issued to the Principal. The decision was based on the finding that the Principal had given a wrong explanation to the Syndicate.
The Syndicate meeting held on August 21 resolved to review that decision. A three-member committee consisting of Dr. Alson Mart, Dr. Atira Prakash and Pramod Gopinath has been appointed for the enquiry. The committee was constituted in view of the bad reputation the varsity incurred on the matter.
Arsho has been facing several severe allegations since long. Arsho was listed as having passed a third-semester Integrated Archaeology Course examination that he publicly admitted he never appeared for or registered for. While college authorities initially blamed software glitches, BJP and other opposition parties accused him of academic fraud.
Later, Arsho counter-filed a criminal conspiracy case, alleging an attempt to defame him. It was alleged as a public service exercise.
Arsho has faced multiple criminal cases over the years, including a high-profile arrest related to charges of attempted murder following an alleged assault on a lawyer. Opposition parties frequently criticised the authorities for practising leniency or delays in handling his pending legal matters.
Complaints were filed against Arsho by university and state secretariat staff, accusing him of using abusive language and intimidating administrative officials while demanding immediate meetings or preferential treatment.
Nimisha Raju, leader of AISF (All India Students Federation, CPI’s student wing), filed a complaint against Arsho alleging caste abuse and outraging of modesty during a 2021 campus clash at Mahatma Gandhi University.
Though police earlier filed a report closing the case, she later approached the court expressing dissatisfaction with the investigation. The woman leader had reportedly claimed that she was verbally abused with caste-based slurs and faced threats and mishandling by student leaders, including Arsho.
Meanwhile, the Syndicate has resolved to conduct a detailed enquiry into the allegations against P. Harikrishnan, a former Syndicate member, for manipulations in the travel allowance, etc.
The Syndicate has also resolved to carry out inquiries into granting guideships and allotting research centres and courses during the tenure of the former Syndicate.
