Deoband row: Panel to probe Vastanvi’s pro-Modi comments

The verdict is finally out. Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi, the MBA cleric from Gujarat, will stay on as the vice chancellor of India’s oldest school of Sunni Islamic learning, Darul Uloom.

Vastanvi, who had raised the hackles of conservatives by his alleged praise of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday appeared to have earned a reprieve when the highest decision-making body of the institution rejected his resignation.

In an apparent move to appease all the parties concerned, the Majlis-e-Shoora has decided to let Vastanvi stay as the vice chancellor, but also ordered an inquiry against him. What’s more, a ‘caretaker’ VC also has been named, citing Vastanvi’s frequent trips to his hometown in Gujarat.

The council has appointed a three member committee to look into the allegations against him.