Patiala: The principal of Sri Dasmesh Academy has been suspended by the academy trust following allegations of a fake PhD degree. The trust has also initiated an inquiry into the matter and said a decision is expected within the next two days.
The action came after protests by academy staff and parents, who demanded the permanent removal of principal Sonu Walia.
A meeting of the Sri Dasmesh Academy Trust was held at the academy on Saturday under the chairmanship of Surjit Singh Rakhra. Trust members, including Balwinder Singh Bhundar, discussed the alleged fake PhD degree issue and other matters concerning the academy.
Following the meeting, a large number of staff members and parents gathered outside the academy and raised slogans against the trust. They demanded that Walia be removed from her post permanently.
Amid the protests, trust members held a separate meeting with the staff and parents.
After the meeting, Rakhra said Walia had been immediately suspended in the interest of the academy. He said a committee had been constituted to conduct a fair inquiry into the allegations and that further action would be taken based on its findings.
Rakhra also assured staff and parents that after the inquiry, Walia would not be allowed to return to the academy.
The principal had earlier been arrested by police after a complaint was received in connection with the alleged fake PhD degree.
