Nagpur: The city witnessed high drama on Wednesday when a confrontation between women from Ambedkarite organisations and Bhante Surai Sasai, chairman of the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Committee at Deekshabhoomi, escalated during discussions related to the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities at Dr Ambedkar College. According to eyewitnesses, Sasai allegedly raised his hand at the women in a moment of anger, an incident that was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
The development unfolded on the same day when the Nagpur University inquiry committee visited Dr Ambedkar College to examine charges of mismanagement and irregularities. Women representing several Ambedkarite groups had also arrived at the college to present their concerns to the inquiry panel. After speaking with committee members and meeting the college principal, Dr Deepa Panhekar, the delegation requested that the principal accompany them to Deekshabhoomi for a meeting with Bhante Sasai.
During the meeting, the women placed their demands before Sasai, but the situation worsened when, according to delegation member Jyoti Awale, the chairman behaved rudely and stubbornly. Awale alleged that Sasai not only raised his hand at the women but also assaulted two members of the memorial committee in the presence of the group. The chaos that followed was such that the police had to be called to the scene, she said.
As footage of the incident continues to circulate online, condemnation has poured in from various quarters of the Ambedkarite community. Several prominent women’s organisations stated that Sasai’s conduct was unacceptable, especially given his position as chairman of a memorial dedicated to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Representatives from multiple organisations took part in the delegation, including the Akhil Bharatiya Samata Sainik Dal, Republican Women Federation, Deekshabhoomi Dhamma Women Committee, Sambuddha Women Organisation, Sambodhini Women’s Group, Parivarik Dhamma Sanghoshti Buddhist Women’s Friendship Association (Nagpur), Sanjeevani Women Organisation, Buddhist Golden Era Foundation, and Lokhitkarini Sabha.
The organisations collectively demanded the immediate resignation of the chairman, all committee members, and the college principal on moral grounds.
They further called for the dissolution of the memorial committee. The groups also warned that if the memorial committee obstructs the Nagpur University inquiry or continues using threatening language, the Ambedkarite community will not hesitate to launch a large-scale public agitation.
Those participating in the delegation included Ujjwala Ganveer, Ranjana Vase, Savita Dhamgaye, Manda Patil, Gayatri Narnaware, Rama Moon, Rama Vasnik, Maya Uke, and others.
