Kochi: Dr C U Priyesh, the visually impaired professor of the Maharaja's College in Ernakulam who became part of a raging social media controversy, on Tuesday rubbished allegations and said his students never tried to block his path by moving a chair.
His comments come after the college suspended six students of BA political science, including KSU leader Muhammad Fazil, for allegedly humiliating the visually impaired professor.
The series of incidents and heated social media discussions began after a video, titled 'attendance matters', went viral on social media.
The video shows some students sitting absentmindedly in the class. One girl student is seen shifting a chair. This was interpreted as obstructing Priyesh's path.
But the professor said his student did that to reach near him. "The girl moved the chair aside to reach near me as she guides me from the class to the staff room," he said.
The professor and Fazil claimed the students were sitting seemingly carelessly because Priyesh had ended his lecture and was about to exit the class.
"I felt the video was offensive. No one understands the problems visually impaired people face. Capturing and sharing the video was wrong. I wish the students realise their mistake and join the class soon. The issue should be resolved within the campus without affecting other students' future,” Priyesh said.
He added that there was no need to politicise the issue as he had no idea who all were involved in it.
“Fazil used to come late to class as he also works as a students' union leader. But he always seeks my permission before entering class. I don't have any issue with Fazil or any other student,” he said.
Fazil said he never insulted the teacher. On that day too he said he was late for the class. “When I sought permission to enter the class, the professor told me that the class was over. When all my classmates laughed at me, I also smiled. I followed the professor to discuss the project I was doing,” he said.
Meanwhile, KSU state president Aloysius Xavier alleged conspiracy against the student outfit behind the video controversy and declared that they will file a complaint with the police.
