Outrage Grows: Dalit Professor Overlooked While FIR-Named Officials Advance at IIMB

Bengaluru- The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) finds itself embroiled in a growing controversy as allegations of caste-based discrimination and constitutional violations against its leadership come to light.

Activists and social reformers have launched a widespread email campaign, voicing serious concerns about the institute’s leadership and board members in a series of letters addressed to Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairperson of the IIMB Board, and the President of India.

Dual Standards: Allegations Against IIMB Leadership

At the center of this controversy is Dr Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, who faces accusations of violating the constitutional rights of students and staff from marginalized communities. The Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), a special unit of the Karnataka Police, found Krishnan guilty of such violations.

Subsequently, an FIR (No: 467/2024) was registered against him and seven others on December 20, 2024. The charges include allegations of discriminatory practices that have reportedly created an unsafe and hostile environment for marginalized students and staff at the prestigious institution.

Notably, the Karnataka High Court recently stayed proceedings on the FIR and all further probe against the accused individuals. In an interim order passed on December 31, Justice Hemant Chandangoudar stayed further investigation against IIM B director Rishikesha T Krishnan and faculty members Dinesh Kumar, G Shainesh, Srinivas Prakhya, Sreelata Jonnalagedda, Rahul De, Ashis Mishra, and Chetan Subramanian.

The Court also issued notices to the State and the complainant asking them to respond within two weeks.

The campaign by Bahujan activists highlights a disturbing pattern of allegations against Krishnan, citing past incidents during his tenure as Director of IIM Indore. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) had previously penalised IIM Indore on complaints from a Dalit student. Activists allege that such recurring accusations reflect systemic issues within IIMB’s leadership.

Adding fuel to the controversy is the recent promotion of individuals accused of similar violations. Activists have expressed outrage over the elevation of Sreelata Jonnalagedda, who is FIR-named for constitutional rights violations, to the IIMB board.

Additionally, Prof Chetan Subramanian, another accused, was elevated to the position of RBI Chair Professor. In stark contrast, the promotion of Professor Gopal Das, a world-class Dalit faculty member, has been withheld over what activists describe as a "motivated and false investigation" into a two-year-old settled taxi bill reimbursement issue. This investigation, initiated by Dr Krishnan, was reportedly stayed by the Karnataka High Court (WP: 18056/2024).

The campaign’s letters emphasize the moral and ethical responsibilities of the IIMB board. Activists argue that the board’s actions—including supporting accused individuals and failing to address the grievances of marginalized communities—have tarnished the institute’s reputation as an institution of national importance.

In their appeal to the President of India, the activists have requested immediate action to remove Dr Krishnan and dissolve the IIMB board. They have called for an investigation into the board’s actions and demanded measures to ensure the safety and security of the victim and their family. Drawing parallels to the tragic case of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar who faced institutional discrimination leading to his death, the activists have underscored the urgency of addressing caste-based atrocities at IIMB.

Speaking with The Mooknayak, BANAE Chairperson Nagsen Sonare said, “The only fault of Professor Gopal Das is he is a Dalit, and he has been fighting to save the Constitution of India. Our battle is not for promotion. for reclamation of human personality".

The email campaign has garnered widespread attention, with students, staff, and activists rallying for justice. Many have criticized the IIMB board for its inaction and perceived complicity in fostering an environment of caste-based discrimination. “Marginalized communities’ students and staff are unsafe and feel constant harassment as long as the current board remains in power,” one activist stated.