Kozhikode: Shaija Andavan, a professor at NIT Calicut, has been appointed the new Dean for Planning and Development for a two-year term, despite controversy over her comments praising Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi.

Shaija has assumed the role of Dean for Planning and Development, succeeding Dr. Priya Chandran. The Registrar of NIT Calicut issued the official order on Monday.

On January 20, 2024, Shaija faced backlash after commenting, "Proud of Godse for saving India," under a post that celebrated Nathuram Godse as a hero. The post, shared by Advocate Krishnaraj, featured an image of Godse with the caption, "Nathuram Vinayak Godse is a hero to many people in India." After the controversy erupted, Shaija deleted her comment.

The comment led to protests by student and youth organisations, including ABVP, which demanded action. A police case was also filed in response to the incident, and the Kunnamangalam Police initiated an investigation. Shaija was arrested and later released on bail.