In a show of prompt action, the Arnala Coastal police have taken suo motu cognisance of the controversy around the resignation of Dr Batul Hamid, principal of Viva College of Law in Virar, and allegations of harassment over her wearing hijab. Two cops who visited the college, said, “Prima facie, the matter of the principal resigning from her post is not connected to hijab.” They added that they will be monitoring her movements.

Apprehensive about a law-and-order situation arising out of Dr Hamid’s statement to the media, which has been making rounds on social media, Inspector (Crime) Amar Singh Patil and Ashok Pawar from the police station’s intelligence wing visited the college campus on Thursday evening. “The officers found the principal’s office locked, and upon inquiring with the office head at the administrative office, it was discovered that Dr Hamid has not been coming to the college since the day she resigned,” said R K Mane, senior inspector, Arnala Coastal police station.