Bengaluru: The Kolar police have filed an FIR against Bengaluru North University (BNU) Vice-Chancellor Niranjana Vanalli under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 and Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The FIR follows a private complaint filed by Manjunatha R, a guest faculty member at BNU, before the District and Sessions Court in Kolar. Acting on the court’s directive, the police have initiated an investigation into the allegations and will submit a report in due course.
In his complaint, Manjunatha alleged that the vice-chancellor insulted and harassed him based on his caste identity, despite there being no formal complaint or inquiry against him. He further claimed that false charges were included as an additional agenda item during a syndicate meeting, which he viewed as an attempt to malign his reputation and intimidate him.
“The vice-chancellor is deliberately targeting me because I belong to a Scheduled Caste,” Manjunatha stated in the FIR. He accused the VC of abusing administrative power to create a hostile environment.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of caste-based discrimination within academic institutions, highlighting the ongoing need for accountability and fair treatment of marginalized communities.
The case is under active investigation, and further action will be determined based on the findings submitted by the Kolar police.
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