Some of the University of Allahabad’s agitated students were arrested by the police today after they blockaded two of their professors during demonstrations over a 400% tuition increase. The agitated students blocked Professor Manmohan Krishna, Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor, and Chairman Admissions Professor Ashish Saxena. The latter shut the main gate after Professor Krishna arrived at the Faculty Recruitment Cell (FRC) to speak with the students.
The students urged that the institution halt all admissions processes until the fee increase problem is resolved. The professors allegedly held “hostage” and insisted that they had only sat down for conversations with the students, despite their claims to the contrary.
Police attempted to apprehend some of the belligerent students and force them into police vehicles so they could be transferred to the police station, but a great commotion ensued. The police used a lathi charge at the students who were aggressively resisting being detained.
No one was held captive, according to Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Meena. However, as they forced their way inside the FRC office and blocked traffic on the street, police had to step in, and twenty students were detained.
According to Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Meena, no one was held captive. However, as they forced their way inside the FRC office and blocked traffic on the street, police had to step in, and twenty students were detained.
In response to a question about whether the detained students would be arrested and face legal action, the SP stated that the situation was being looked at.
Today was the 26th day of the fee rise protests, and some students are continuing their fasts until a reversal is announced. However, the university administration has ruled out the idea of a rollback.
Last night, police forcefully admitted the fasting students to the hospital due to their poor health and on the recommendation of doctors. Other students started their hunger strike again today.
