Patna, June 15: Under threat from extortionist gangs, a large number of professors of Patna University have hired private guards for themselves and their family members while a few have taken voluntary retirement or withdrawn themselves from leading coaching institutes due to such threats. Due to constant threats from the criminal gangs demanding hefty extortion money, the teachers were forced to hire private security guards for their safety, Prof. B N Tiwari, joint secretary of Patna University Teachers Association (PUTA) said.
A few teachers have also taken voluntary retirement under pressure of such threats, he said.
The murder of Prof. S lal of Science College by criminals recently in the state capital has gripped the teaching fraternity with fear-psychosis. A large number of university professors have also stopped teaching in coaching institutes for the same reason, he added.
Concerned about the rising threat on the teaching fraternity, PUTA has decided to discuss the issue at its executive committee meeting tomorrow and chalk out strategies to face the problem, an association member said.
PUTA secretary Prof. A Singh said at least 25 college teachers have taken security cover. Vishal Verma, proprietor of a leading Mumbai-based private security agency here, confirmed that they were providing private guards to a large number of teachers.
Verma said besides teachers, professionals like doctors and engineers have also approached the agency for security guards.
Deputy Inspector General of police (provision) Rituraj said that due to shortage of staff it was not possible to provide security to individuals. Bureau Report