Clash Between Police and Students at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University Sparks Government Action

A clash occurred at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University in Barabanki during a protest over an unrecognised law course. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the removal of the circle officer following student injuries and unrest on campus.

A confrontation erupted between police and students at a private university during a protest over an allegedly unrecognised law course, according to an officer. The incident occurred on the campus of Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, where footage showed police using batons against demonstrators. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has since ordered the removal of the circle officer city.

The students accused the university of risking their futures by enrolling them in a programme not recognised by the Bar Council of India. Several students were injured, and a glass at the Gadia police outpost was broken during the clash. Security forces were deployed on campus following the incident, as stated by the officer.

Protests and Allegations

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), affiliated with the RSS, joined the protests, accusing the university of charging illegal fees and demanding action against its administration. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Adityanath expressed dissatisfaction with actions taken against students and ordered an investigation into the degree's validity at Ram Swaroop University Barabanki.

Chief Minister Adityanath also directed IG Ayodhya Range to investigate the baton charge incident. An inquiry team, including Divisional Commissioner Ayodhya Rajesh Kumar and IG Ayodhya Range Praveen Kumar, met with an ABVP delegation to discuss the events. The ABVP demanded strict action against those responsible for the incident.

University's Defence and Investigation

The university denied allegations, asserting that its law programme is fully recognised. Registrar Prof Neerja Jindal stated that misinformation was being spread about the Bar Council of India's recognition. She noted that approval documents for 2022-23 are available on the BCI website and that affiliation fees have been paid until 2027.

In response to claims of excessive force, Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya mentioned that no written complaints had been received yet. He added that video footage is under review. Additional SP North Vikas Chandra Tripathi stated that police only separated clashing groups and did not use batons.

ABVP's Demands and Actions

Ankit Shukla, ABVP's national secretary, criticised police intervention in student matters as inappropriate. He claimed that a brutal baton charge began upon the CO's arrival. Shukla demanded an impartial investigation and strict action against guilty officials and university administration.

The ABVP warned of further agitation if student demands are unmet within a set timeframe, holding both the Uttar Pradesh government and university administration accountable. Six injured students were admitted to Mayo Hospital, while two others were treated at a district hospital.

On Monday night, ABVP activists protested outside District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi's residence, burning his effigy before marching to the SP's office. They raised slogans against the administration, vowing to continue protests until action is taken.

ABVP's Awadh state secretary, Pushpendra Bajpai, stated that protests would persist until the vice-chancellor addresses students directly, expelled students are reinstated with dignity, and clarity is provided regarding law degree recognition. Bajpai emphasised that any injustice against student interests would not be tolerated.

With inputs from PTI