PAU employee reinstated

An employee of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) who was suspended due to his reported confrontation with an Aam Aadmi Party leader was reinstated today.

PAU, Vice Chancellor, SS Gosal said that the suspended employee, Amrik Singh, had submitted a written application, stating that he was not at fault and the committee after verifying the facts took the decision. “Three days’ time was given to the union and today was the second day and after all verifications he had been reinstated and orders for the same issued,” said PAU VC.

On Tuesday, PAU Employees Union was to hold a protest against the suspension, but heavy deployment of police force on the university campus and detention of several members of the union did not allow it to happen. Later, a meeting was held with the VC, who gave three days to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, during this entire episode, wife of Amrik died yesterday night. She was undergoing kidney transplant at the PGI. “She went under stress after the turn of events and died. I blame the entire episode for her death,” said Amrik.

Her cremation will be held two days later as the couple’s daughters live abroad.

After speculations about employees staging a protest, blaming the turn of the events the reason behind Amrik’s wife’s death, police officials were seen holding talks with the union members during the day. When Amrik was contacted regarding his stand in this issue, he said that the union’s decision was his decision.

President of PAU Employees Union Baldev Singh said that the news of his wife’s death was very unfortunate. “We had a word with Amrik at his house and he was completely shattered and does not want to pursue anything in this regard,” said Walia.

The incident caught the attention of other political parties as well and with Ludhiana West bypoll just around the corner. Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu reached Amrik’s residence to pay his condolences. “This is the height of high headedness of the ruling party. Are these aam aadmis? asked Ashu. State BJP unit wrote on their X handle, “Arrogance. Vendetta. Misuse of Power. AAP’s dictatorship has claimed a life.”

Ludhiana