Probe panel finds major irregularities and lapses in Calicut University DSU elections

Kozhikode: The inquiry committee appointed to investigate alleged irregularities and violence in Calicut University Department Students' Union (DSU) submitted its report to the vice-chancellor. The report pointed to serious procedural lapses, rule violations and administrative failures in the conduct of the Oct 10 election, which was later annulled.The five-member panel, chaired by Santhosh Namby of department of botany, was tasked with examining the breaches in election procedures, the conduct of officials involved and suggesting reforms to ensure fair and transparent elections in the future.The committee found that the ballot papers used in DSU elections, along with those used in the student union elections held at varsity campuses at Thrissur, Institute of Engineering and Technology and ITSR were not in conformity with the model prescribed in the election manual.The panel also found that the returning officers appointed to conduct the DSU elections were not senior faculty members, contrary to the stipulations laid down in the election manual.Regarding the violence during the counting, the report states that a section of students forcibly entered the counting hall by breaking doors and physically attacked students and officials present.The report found several lapses and procedural failures on the part of the officers entrusted with the conduct of the elections. These included returning officers instructing changes to the format of the ballot paper, such as the deletion of the serial number from the ballot paper and omission of voter's name from the counterfoil.The committee said police failed to ensure proper law and order within and around the counting venue, leading to serious disturbances.It recommended standardisation of ballot papers, appointment of senior faculty members as returning officers and video recording of the election process.The fresh elections to the DSU will be held on Oct 31 as per high court order.