Gujarat University vice-chancellor Parimal Trivedi, who was called by SC/ST cell of city police to appear in a three-year-old racial slur case Monday, chose not to appear before the cell in the matter.
After waiting for him till late evening, DD Chaudhari, assistant commissioner of police and incharge of SC/ST cell, said he would consult his senior officials for future course of action against Trivedi.
"We will serve another summon to Trivedi and wait for a couple of days for him to turn up. We can also go to his office and register his statement if he cannot come here," said Chaudhari.
When asked by mediapersons about his whereabouts on Monday morning, Trivedi said that he was in a function and could not talk much. He, however, was seen coming out of his bungalow in his car at 11am. Around the same time, Chaudhari left Karanj police station in his police vehicle, sparking rumours of a 'secret' meeting between them. The cop denied the rumours and said that he was going to court for a hearing. Interestingly, complainant in the matter, Pankaj Shrimali, was present at the Karanj police station from early Monday morning. The SC/ST cell is housed in this police station.
Chaudhari said that he would initiate fresh probe in the matter and record statements of the parties once again. "I need to know several aspects of the case. Fresh statements of all parties, including the complainant will be recorded," said Chaudhari.
Earlier, Trivedi was summoned by SC/ST cell Friday to remain present at Karanj police station on Monday morning. Police, in the summons, pointed out that Trivedi would be arrested if he failed to remain present before competent officer of SC/ST cell.
Trivedi is facing probe in a three-year-old case where he allegedly passed abusive casteist remarks on Pankaj Shrimali, head of department of History in L & C Mehta Arts College affiliated to GU.
The complaint in the matter was lodged before Gujarat University police station under Prevention of Atrocities Act on May 3, 2008. Police hadn't taken appropriate action in the case until Gujarat high court stepped in on Thursday.
