Protest at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University turns violent; registrar, chief proctor injured

AGRA

: A students' protest over lack of sports kits and travelling allowance for sports competitions in Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University turned violent on Thursday, leaving its registrar, chief proctor and three other employees seriously injured. Police have taken two girl students into custody.

Registrar K N Singh, proctor Manoj Srivastava, employees' association leader Akhilesh Chaudhary and other injured staffers were admitted to a private hospital following injuries to their faces and other body parts.

According to police, the incident occurred in the varsity's Paliwal Park campus when students belonging to the bachelor of physical education department began a protest against lack of adequate sports facilities. A heated argument soon took place between registrar Singh and the agitating students. The pupils got into a nasty spat with security guard and varsity officials when staffers and guards tried to disperse those on protest outside the registrar office. The students allegedly attacked the guards with hockey sticks and the other side also retaliated with stone pelting.

Singh suffered injuries on his nose and a broken tooth after he was hit by a brick. Chaudhary sustained injuries below his left eye while proctor Srivastava was allegedly thrashed by a few students.

Vice

chancellor

Arvind Kumar Dixit said, "The five injured staffers are recovering at a city hospital. We are investigating the matter and strict action will be taken against those involved in violent behaviour on the campus."

Additional superintendent of police (ASP), Abhishek (who goes by his first name), said, "A complaint has been received from the university administration for the alleged attack on staffers at its Paliwal Park campus. We are waiting for the medical reports of those injured and will register a case soon."

Meanwhile, one of the girls, who was taken into custody, has moved a complaint against registrar Singh and proctor Srivastava at the Hariparwat police station. She has alleged Singh and Srivastava of verbal and physical abuse during the incident.

Station house officer of Hariparwat, Mahesh Chand Gautam, said, "A complaint has been received against university registrar KN Singh and proctor Manoj Srivastava for alleged misconduct. We are yet to register a case in this regard."