KU sacks HOD for 'professional misconduct'

Education Higher Education

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-08-17 22:26:23 | Last Updated by admin_kas on 2025-08-18 07:33:28

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Muhammad Adnan

Srinagar, Aug 17: Kashmir University (KU) authorities have removed an associate professor from the headship of his department "with immediate effect" after an inquiry found him resorting to "unethical research and publication practices" 

"Pursuant to recommendations of the enquiry committee constituted for the purpose and approval of the competent authority, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Associate Professor, is relieved from the charge of Head, Department of Bioresources with immediate effect," reads the order issued by Joint Registrar, Teaching Wing, on August 14, 2025. 

Dr Riyaz ul Rehman, Assistant Professor shall function as Coordinator, Department of Bioresources till further directions, the order further stated. 

KU officials in know-how of the issue said the probe committee was constituted sometime ago to inquire into allegations of professional misconduct by Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir. 

The committee found the allegations to be true, leading to his removal from the headship as punishment, the sources added.

A top official in KU administration said there was some departmental issue after which the enquiry committee framed decided to change the HOD and charge was given to the next senior.

The official also did not refute the claim that the associate professor had resorted to unethical professional conduct. 

Sources said among other allegations, a formal complaint to the Vice Chancellor had alleged that Dr Manzoor would get research papers published very frequently without giving proper credits to research scholars whose work these papers essentially were.

"He was blatantly accused of stealing the work of research scholars and getting it published in his name in various journals to strengthen his CV," the sources added. 

It was also alleged that Dr Manzoor was using undue influence of certain quarters in departmental matters as well, the sources alleged. 

When contacted, a senior KU administration official said: "If heads of departments resort to plagiarism and stealing works of young scholars, it sends a wrong message to the students. In that sense, the concerned professor had become a headache for many," the official wishing anonymity said. 

Meanwhile unsatisfied with the action of KU, the research scholars have demanded suspension of Prof Manzoor pending inquiry against him. 

"Removal from headship is not enough. He should face FIR and suspension for this academic stealing," they have demanded.

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