Fact-finding committee to present comprehensive report on controversial play staging.
A fact-finding committee formed by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) is set to conclude its investigation into the controversial staging of a play based on the ‘Ram Leela’ at the Lalit Kala Kendra. Following an FIR filed by Pune police and subsequent arrests, the SPPU administration established the committee to delve into the incident and provide clarity on the matter.
Led by retired district judge Shri Krishna Panse and actor Praveen Tarde, the committee comprises esteemed members such as principal professor Devidas Waydande, SPPU senate representatives Vinayak Ambekar and Dr. Jyoti Bhakere, principal Kranti Deshmukh, and university in-charge registrar Vijay Khare.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a committee member disclosed that the report is in its final stages and is slated for submission to the university by the end of April. The investigative process involved thorough inquiries with all stakeholders, including the head of the department, professors, students, and representatives of concerned organizations.
The committee also sought insights from external drama experts to assess the situation objectively. Notably, students portraying various characters in the play denied allegations, attributing their actions solely to the script. This has prompted further inquiry into the script’s selection and monitoring processes.
With the impending submission of the report, the SPPU administration, management council, and senate are poised to take action based on the conclusions and recommendations provided by the committee.
