Abrupt change in poll schedule sparked Ujjain violence

Ujjain, Sep 1(UNI) Madhav College staff council's abrupt decision to postpone students union elections for want of certain formalities sparked violence, in which a professor was killed and another humiliated with blackening his face.

As against 45 posts to be filled up, only 5 nominations, all from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, had been received on schedule, while NSUI boycotted the polls.

After consulting legal experts, the staff council decided to postpone the elections around noon on August 26, College Principal L N Verma said.

Mr Verma said postponement of polls was the only option before staff council, Different student committees had not been formed.

State ABVP President Shashi Ranjan Singh Akela, who is a school teacher, and its Organising Secretary Vimal Tomar were arrested by the CID on the charge of murdering Prof H S Sabharwal. Another professor M L Nath was attacked and his face blackened by the students at the college premises.

A total of 34 people had been arrested so far in three cases registered in connection with the students violence. NSUI leader Aniketan Sen had been arrested last night. Five ABVP workers and 23 Congress and NSUI workers had been released on bail.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police Swaraj Puri denied any political pressure on the police and said the investigation was being carried in a transparent manner.

Gyanpeeth awardee Naresh Mehta, former Chief Minister P C Sethi and retired judge G L Ojha were among former students of the college set up in 1891.

UNI Team-SP 1440