SP student wing leader’s arrest sparks violence , arson
VARANASI: Supporters of a Samajwadi Party student leader went on the rampage at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Wednesday after police arrested him from outside the campus.
Ashutosh Singh, head of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha’s BHU unit, was held on a nonbailable warrant issued in connection with three criminal cases.
Soon afterwards, his supporters vandalised a State Bank of India ATM, damaged over 40 vehicles and set a Delhi Public School (DPS) bus afire.
While there were no students present in the bus at the time, the driver and helper managed to flee from the scene.
The mob also kept two of the university gates, including the main entrance, closed for about an hour.
Police said Singh was booked in three cases of extortion under Section 395 (dacoity) of the Indian Penal Code.
“A group of BHU students, all supporters of Ashutosh Singh, later set a DPS bus on fire and damaged several vehicles belonging to attendants of patients. The situation is now under control,” said Bhelupur circle officer AP Singh.
BHU chief proctor Royana Singh inspected the scene of the violence. “The students responsible for the violence will be identified, and strict action will be taken against them.
The university administration will not tolerate such activities,” she said.
The Banaras Hindu University last witnessed violence on September 23, after police allegedly cane-charged a group of students – mostly girls – who were protesting against the sexual harassment of a fellow student.