BHU prof quits SVDV dept, joins arts faculty

BHU professor Feroze Khan, whose appointment as a teacher of Sanskrit led to protests by some university students, resigned from his post at SVDV Department and joined Arts Faculty, BHU sources said on Tuesday.

Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vigyan (SVDV) Department Dean Bindeswari Prasad Mishra confirmed that Khan has joined Arts Faculty of university.

This comes amid protest by students, mostly from ABVP, against his appointment at SVDV last month. students had boycotted his classes and std a dharna outside vice-chancellor's office. y had on Monday even threatened a fast unto death.

"Only a Hindu can teach us our religion. Feroz Khan is free to teach Sanskrit langu elsewhere," students had insisted.

BHU administration had come out in Khan's support, saying his appointment was made in accordance with BHU Act and guidelines issued by University Grants Commission.

university had in a public statement even said that Khan was "best" among all candidates.

READ | Religion And Science Department Reopens At BHU Amid Protests Against Prof Firoz Khan

A frustrated Khan had even appeared for an interview on Friday in university's Ayurveda department.

interview was held in secrecy in a guest house in view of fear of protests by students. Ten candidates, including Khan, were to appear for interview but only eight turned up.

Ayurveda department dean Prof Yamini Bhushan told reporters that Khan had ranked at top of merit list.

Khan had earlier applied for job in Ayurveda and Arts faculties, along with Sanskrit faculty. He was appointed to Sanskrit faculty which triggered protests by students who were unwilling to accept a Muslim as ir teacher.

students of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vigyan (SVDV) Department had been on protest since vember 7 and on vember 24, retired professors of BHU had also expressed ir support for students.

On Monday, protesting students had told university proctor that if Khan is t suspended with immediate effect, y will t only boycott upcoming semester exams but also start a fast unto death. 

A Sanskrit professor was also reportedly attacked by students for supporting Khan. 

READ | BHU Teachers Write To Prez Kovind To Revoke Feroze Khan's Appointment In Sanskrit Faculty

READ | Varanasi: Amid Protests, BHU Professor Feroze Khan To Interview At Art Faculty