ABVP Condemns UP Congress Chief's Comments on BHU Incident

The ABVP, affiliated with RSS, criticizes Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai for his comments on the alleged molestation incident at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), accusing him of trying to defame prestigious academic institutions with his cheap politics.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed its strong disapproval on Saturday over comments made by Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai regarding a reported molestation incident at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The ABVP accused Rai of attempting to tarnish the reputation of esteemed academic institutions through his "cheap politics".

Rai had implicated members of the student group in the incident that occurred on November 1. However, the ABVP has countered these allegations, stating that Rai's remarks are factually incorrect. According to a release from the ABVP, Rai is now focusing his attention on an old student movement at Allahabad University. It further criticized him for exploiting serious student issues for political gain instead of addressing them properly.

Allahabad University Incident

In relation to Allahabad University’s case, it was highlighted by ABVP that due to negligence and lack of medical security from university administration resulted in unfortunate death of a student named Ashutosh Dubey on July 11, 2023. This sparked vandalism within university premises by Samajwadi Chatra Sabha and NSUI leaders as alleged by ABVP.

False Allegation Against Atendra Singh?

The RSS-affiliated body pointed out that despite not being initially named in this case which involved six people and one unidentified person, a case was later registered against their worker Atendra Singh. In response to this allegation made public via social media platform X by Ajay Rai last Friday, who currently leads Kashi prant’s ABVP wing; he claimed an FIR was lodged against him for molesting female teachers at Allahabad University's Sanskrit department.

ABVP's Response to Rai's Comments

The ABVP reacted strongly to Rai's comments, accusing the Congress leader of trying to protect those responsible for the BHU incident. The student organization also lodged a complaint against him for allegedly promoting hostility, resulting in an FIR being filed against Rai under Section 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Rai’s Reaction and Alleged Molestation Incident

Rai dismissed the complaint as a sign of ABVP’s anxiety and suggested that a proper investigation would reveal who was really involved in the molestation case. He claimed that BHU has become a haven for ABVP members who harbour outsiders.

The alleged molestation took place on Wednesday night near Karman Baba temple when three men reportedly separated a female student from her friend, gagged her and assaulted her while recording video and taking photos. They released her after about 15 minutes but not before obtaining her phone number.

Police Investigation Underway

An FIR has been registered under section 354 of IPC and provisions of Information Technology Act based on victim’s complaint at Lanka police station. However, no arrests have been made so far in connection with this case by police.

In conclusion, these allegations and counter-allegations point towards an escalating political feud which is diverting attention from serious issues faced by students such as safety within campus premises. It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize student welfare over political gains to ensure justice is served swiftly.