Bhopal: Two violent incidents within the last five days at Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central University in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, have raised serious questions about the academic and democratic environment on the campus. The All India Students Federation (AISF) has alleged that its activists and students were subjected to planned attacks by individuals associated with the ABVP and RSS.
The organization claims these incidents are not merely a clash of student politics but a dangerous indicator of growing ideological intolerance and organized violence in universities.
According to the AISF, a unit conference and a study circle were organized near the Gaur Stambh on the university campus on February 20th. The organization claims they had informed the university administration and local police about the event in advance. During the program, a mob of approximately 100-150 people suddenly arrived and began assaulting the students. Several students were injured in this attack. It is alleged that while police were present at the scene, they did not intervene effectively, which emboldened the attackers.
The AISF states that the matter did not end there. On February 23rd, students who were victims of the February 20th incident went to the Proctor's office to demand security. It was here, right in front of the Proctor's office, that a second attack occurred. Students were allegedly hit on their faces and eyes and beaten with sticks on their backs. The AISF claims this was a clear attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and suppress ideological activities.
The two violent incidents in five days have deepened the sense of fear and insecurity among students. The AISF questions whether the freedom of study and discourse in a central university must now operate under the shadow of violence. Organization officials argue that if students are beaten for engaging in discussions, it is a direct attack on the democratic nature of higher education institutions.
The organization has also raised questions about the role of the university and police administration. They allege that despite prior information, adequate security arrangements were not made. Even after two attacks, no information about the arrest of the accused or strict action has emerged. The AISF has demanded a fair investigation into both incidents, the immediate arrest and expulsion of the attackers from the university, and a guarantee of safety for democratic activities on campus.
Meanwhile, AISF official Bittu Kumar submitted a written application to the in-charge of Civil Lines police station in Sagar. The application stated that even after the February 20th incident, opposing elements are spreading false rumors on social media and the university campus. Accusations are being made against the organization, such as tearing up posters of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and raising anti-national slogans, which the AISF has termed completely baseless and provocative.
The application expressed fear that such propaganda could lead to another deadly attack. The AISF has demanded security for its officials and active members and an investigation into the false propaganda.
Speaking to The Mooknayak, Civil Lines Station House Officer Anand Kumar said that in connection with the incidents of February 20th and 23rd, the police have registered a case against two named accused, Kapil Swami and Avinash Gupta, along with eight other unidentified individuals. He stated that an FIR has been filed under relevant sections based on the complaint and available evidence, and a serious investigation into the entire incident is underway.
The SHO said the police are examining all aspects, including video footage from the scene, statements from eyewitnesses, and other technical evidence. He assured that the investigation would be conducted impartially and that strict action would be taken against those found guilty. Necessary steps are also being taken to maintain law and order on the campus.
In a conversation with The Mooknayak, AISF Council Member Comrade Vishal said that after much effort following the violent incidents, the police registered the case. He alleged that had the organization not continuously pressured the administration, even an FIR would not have been filed. According to him, the injured students are still living in fear, so their primary demand is that all victimized students be provided immediate security so they can continue their studies and academic activities without fear.
Comrade Vishal stated that the AISF operates within the bounds of the constitution and fosters ideological discourse through programs like study circles. "Efforts are being made to stop us. There is an attempt to suppress our ideological activities through violence and misinformation," he alleged. He demanded strict action against the accused from the administration to ensure a democratic atmosphere and student safety on the university campus.
The continuously escalating tension on the university campus has also worried students, parents, and teachers. For a central university, which should be an open platform for thought and discussion, such clashes between student organizations turning violent is a serious indicator for the education system.
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