Tensions flared on the campus of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) in Lucknow after a clash between students over a religious event left at least three injured. The incident occurred on September 17, when students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) allegedly assaulted fellow students with sticks and rods following a dispute over the organization of a Vishwakarma Puja.
According to the students present, ABVP members attempted to conduct the puja at the University Institute of Technology without formal permission. The program was halted after objections were raised, citing university rules that require prior authorization for any event. “It was against the code of conduct to act without permission, and the university eventually cancelled the program,” said Mrityunjay Kumar, one of the injured students.
After the program was stopped, students from both groups staged sit-ins near the main gate until the afternoon. The university’s proctor reportedly met with both sides and assured them the matter would be reviewed the following day. However, later that evening, violence broke out.
Mrityunjay, a member of the Disha Students’ Organisation, said he and three others were leaving the protest site when ABVP-affiliated students attacked them. “They hit us on the head, face, and stomach. I sustained internal injuries, and others collapsed from the assault,” he told The Observer Post.
Varuni Poorva, head of Disha, said the assault continued inside the campus canteen, where ABVP members allegedly targeted three isolated students using rods, belts, and clubs. “Mritunjay was beaten so severely that he suffered internal injuries. Another student, Ritesh, was left unconscious, while a Dalit student, Adesh, also sustained serious wounds,” she said.
The victims were taken to Lokbandhu Hospital, but students alleged that both the hospital and the police delayed action. “The hospital demanded an FIR before conducting proper medical procedures, while the police insisted on medical reports before registering a complaint,” said a student witness. Despite three police vans being stationed on campus, students claim officers were initially reluctant to lodge a case.
Eventually, an FIR was filed late at night at the Ashiyana police station, though students accused the authorities of weakening charges. “The initial FIR only included bailable sections and was filed in the name of someone who wasn’t even present. We later pushed for a stronger complaint under attempted murder and the SC/ST Act, since a Dalit student was attacked,” said Poorva.
The FIR was ultimately registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, including sections 115(2), 191(2), 191(3), 303(2), and 351(3).
Students allege that the violence was a targeted attack on Disha activists, particularly Mrityunjay, who has openly challenged ABVP’s campus activities. They also expressed frustration with the university administration, accusing it of shielding perpetrators. “Committees are formed after every incident, but they serve no purpose. Even the press is kept out of campus,” Poorva said.
Disha has now called for wider demonstrations, framing the attack as part of “ABVP’s hate-based politics” on campus. Around 100–200 students gathered outside the Vice Chancellor’s office following the incident, demanding accountability.
The university has not yet issued an official statement on the attack.
