Rusticated fine arts student ‘mistakenly’ issued hall ticket

Vadodara: MS University (MSU) issued an examination hall ticket to the fine arts student who was accused of making ‘objectionable works of art’ at the faculty.
The student was rusticated after a major controversy had erupted over his art works that were put up at the faculty, but had been removed subsequently.
The row was sparked on May 5 when syndicate member HasmukhVaghela reached the faculty and objected to artworks which had newspaper clippings of articles regarding rapes and other crimes against women and were shaped as various Hindu goddesses.
Vaghela said that the subject may be correct, but the iconography was not. Vaghela is a BJP member and a former ABVP activist.
An inquiry was ordered and student Kundan Kumar Mahato was rusticated by the university. He was also arrested in connection with an offence registered regarding the works and later granted bail. Mahato has found support from artists and even some faculty members. Veteran artist Padma Shri Jyoti Bhatt also sent a letter to the university supporting Mahato. The student himself has sent an appeal to the university against his rustication.
Even as the university is yet to decide regarding the material it has on hand regarding the issue, it came to light on Thursday that hall ticket had been issued to Mahato to allow him to appear in exams. Vaghela raised the issue in the syndicate meeting of the university on Thursday.
The officials defended themselves stating that the hall ticket may have been issued by mistake.
Sources said that while the university decided to rusticate Mahato, the orders may not have been shared with various departments including the exam section. They assured that they will look into the matter and cancel the hall ticket.