‘Slapgate’ row erupts at Sardar Patel University in Vallabh Vidyanagar

Vadodara: An alleged "slapgate" incident at Sardar Patel University (SPU) in Vallabh Vidyanagar has sparked widespread discussion after a male assistant professor accused the head of the English department of slapping him in front of students.Assistant professor Dr Manish Solanki said the incident occurred on March 18 while he was teaching fourth-semester students. According to Solanki, Parul Popat, head of the English department, entered his classroom to inquire about an internal examination matter. "I told her that none of my students were appearing for the re-test. Due to some misunderstanding, she stayed back in the class. I even checked with a student appearing in the adjacent classroom, who confirmed that she was not from my subject. When I asked the HoD to leave, she re-entered and slapped me, saying she was doing so on behalf of the students. ‘Come what may', she said. I later continued my lecture," Solanki told mediapersons. Popat, however, gave a contrasting account in a written complaint to the university. While she declined to share details, university sources said she has alleged that Solanki pushed her when she entered the classroom to discuss exam-related work. SPU registrar Bhailal Patel said the university has received a formal complaint from Popat, while Solanki is yet to submit a written complaint. "An internal committee has been constituted to ascertain the facts and will probe the matter in accordance with UGC rules," Patel said. The controversy came to light after a student posted about the incident on social media. University authorities said the inquiry committee will examine all available evidence, including CCTV footage, before reaching a conclusion.