UP University Protest Turns Violent as Police Confront Students

A violent confrontation unfolded at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University on Monday as students protested an allegedly unapproved law course, sparking a clash with police that left several injured and a police outpost damaged.

Social media footage captured officers wielding batons against demonstrators, who accused the university of jeopardising their futures by enrolling them in a law programme lacking Bar Council of India (BCI) recognition. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), affiliated with the RSS, joined the protests, alleging the university collected illegal fees and demanding accountability from administrators.

Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya said the clash escalated after tensions between students and university staff, with no formal complaint yet filed. “We’re reviewing video evidence, and injured students are receiving treatment,” he told PTI. Additional SP Vikas Chandra Tripathi denied claims of excessive force, stating police only separated conflicting groups and restored calm.

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The university refuted the allegations, with Registrar Prof. Neerja Jindal insisting the law programme is fully recognised. “BCI approval documents for 2022-23 are on their website, and affiliation fees are paid until 2027,” she said, claiming misinformation fuelled the unrest.

ABVP’s Akash Shukla condemned the police response, alleging students were “brutally beaten” for demanding their rights. The group reported six students treated at Mayo Hospital and two at the district hospital. On Monday night, protesters rallied outside the District Magistrate’s residence, burning his effigy and marching to the SP’s office, vowing to continue until their demands are met.

ABVP’s Awadh state secretary, Pushpendra Bajpai, demanded the vice-chancellor address students directly, reinstate expelled students, and clarify the law degree’s status. “We won’t rest until justice is served,” he declared. The incident has sparked outrage, with students and activists calling for a transparent investigation into the university’s practices and the police’s actions.

As tensions simmer, the campus remains under heavy security, with the situation described as peaceful but volatile.

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