ABVP protests at Symbiosis Law School Nagpur over alleged objectionable messages to student

A row has erupted at Symbiosis Law School in Nagpur over objectionable messages, which allegedly also hurt religious sentiments, sent to a woman student. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) held a demonstration on the university campus over the matter.

The ABVP said a professor of the college had allegedly sent the objectionable messages to the student. According to the organisation, the matter came to light when the student's family saw the messages on her mobile phone. The ABVP called it a serious issue concerning the safety and dignity of women students and the atmosphere for study, and submitted a memorandum to the college administration.

In the memorandum, the organisation put forward several demands. It said an independent committee should be formed for a fair and transparent inquiry. Necessary interim action should be taken until the inquiry is complete, and the identity of the complaining student should be kept confidential. The ABVP also demanded that the student and witnesses face no pressure of any kind and be protected from retaliation, and that the progress of the inquiry be communicated in writing. The organisation wants the professor concerned kept away from the institution until the inquiry ends.

City joint secretary Sanket Khadkar, west district convener Tanu Samudre and south district convener Atharv Deshmukh were present at the protest, along with other workers.

Meanwhile, DCP Nityanand Jha said the university administration has sent the professor concerned on leave until the inquiry is completed. According to him, the protesters came to the university on Saturday both morning and evening and demanded action. The police arranged talks between the university administration and the protesters so that the two sides could reach an understanding.

On Saturday evening, a delegation of six to seven people, including the complaining student, members of her family and some others, met the university's inquiry committee. The committee assured them that the inquiry would be completed within a fixed time and appropriate action taken.

The administration and police also briefed the students on campus about the entire sequence of events. According to the police, everything passed off peacefully and there was no law-and-order problem.

The police have appealed to people not to forward unverified information and not to believe rumours. Further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.