CT University VC Removed After Ramadan Row Involving Kashmiri Students

The Vice-Chancellor of CT University in Ludhiana, Dr Nitin Tandon, has been removed from his position following a controversy involving Kashmiri Muslim students over alleged misconduct during Ramadan.

The issue arose after a group of Kashmiri students protested, claiming that the university mess failed to provide proper arrangements for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (fast-breaking meal). According to the students, when they approached the administration seeking special meal arrangements, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly used abusive language and threatened to cancel their admissions and evict them from the hostel. A video of the purported exchange surfaced on social media and quickly went viral.

The matter escalated after Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, shared the video online and tagged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding strict action. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also formally sought the intervention of the Punjab government.

Amid mounting public pressure and administrative scrutiny, the university management terminated Dr Tandon’s services on February 24, 2026.

The Ludhiana district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Shahi Imam, intervened to mediate between the students and the university authorities. A high-level inquiry has been ordered, headed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jagraon, to examine allegations of administrative failure and misconduct.

In the interim, Pro Vice-Chancellor Simran Gill has assumed charge of the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities. Further proceedings will depend on the outcome of the inquiry.