Ex-employee vandalises GU botany department

Ahmedabad: Panic struck Gujarat University's botany department on Monday afternoon after a former employee allegedly vandalised the premises. The incident, which occurred around 2.45pm, has again highlighted major lapses in campus security.Dr Hitesh Solanki, head of the botany department, stated in his complaint with Gujarat University police that he was at work when Tejas Patel entered the premises armed with a stick. Patel, a contracted employee who was dismissed three years ago for misconduct, began shouting obscenities and demanded to know where Solanki was before threatening to kill him. He then allegedly attempted to attack Solanki, who managed to escape. The FIR states that Patel proceeded to damage office property, smashing glass doors, computers, LED screens, printers and furniture. The destruction included four glass doors valued at Rs 50,000, four servers (value to be assessed), four LED screens worth Rs 45,000, two printers worth Rs 15,000, assorted furniture estimated at Rs 10,000, and three all-in-one computers valued at Rs 1,20,000. In total, losses were assessed at approximately Rs 2.4 lakh.Eyewitnesses confirmed that Patel's violent outburst created panic among staff, faculty and students. Security guards stationed nearby failed to intervene effectively, and Patel managed to flee after causing the damage. Solanki later approached the police station with colleagues and staff members to file a complaint. Witnesses named in the FIR include Prof Bharatbhai Metre, Dr Naineshbhai Modi, Dr Somyabhai Patel and staff and security guards. Police have registered a case against Patel for vandalism and criminal intimidation and begun an investigation.