More than a hundred students of the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur campus, have launched a campus-wide protest demanding the immediate suspension of Assistant Registrar Avinav Thakur, who is allegedly facing serious criminal charges including rape and digital misconduct.
The protest began late on the night of April 3, with students staging a sit-in at the institute’s main gate, denying to disperse until their demands were met. The demonstration continued through the early hours of April 4, subsequently moving to the administration building, where students effectively shut down operations in a dramatic escalation of the protest.
The students’ anger stems from the continued appointment of Thakur, who has been named in FIR No. 157/2024, lodged in the Chandigarh Fast Track Special Court under IPC Sections 328 and 376(2)(n), and Section 67 of the IT Act. The case traces back to a 2022 National Service Scheme (NSS) program, where the victim — a participant — accused him of sexual assault. In spite of an ongoing legal process and a Fast Track Court order dated January 21, 2025, citing misconduct, no institutional action has been taken.
Institutional Silence Fuels Anger
Student representatives have called out the administration’s inaction and lack of transparency. According to protest leaders, a formal complaint signed by 230 students was submitted to both the Dean and the Director on March 21, and later to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) on March 26. No response has been received to date.
Further allegations include Thakur’s misuse of campus CCTV footage to intimidate female students, unlawful intrusion into girls’ hostels, and threats of suspension. These accusations have deepened mistrust among students, especially women, who constitute 60% of the RGNIYD campus population.
On April 4, police officials — including a Sub-Inspector, Circle Inspector, and armed officers — arrived on campus following alerts by media personnel. They engaged in discussions with student leaders and administrative officials in a bid to normalise the situation, but the protest continued peacefully.
Student Demands at a Glance
The protesting students have outlined six urgent demands:
- Immediate suspension of Mr. Avinav Thakur under Rule 10 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, pending investigation.
- Formal acknowledgment and response from MoYAS to the complaint filed on March 26.
- Appointment of a permanent registrar and director to fill ongoing leadership gaps.
- Publication of findings from the internal committee’s investigation into the case.
- Establishment of an empowered internal grievance redressal body to ensure safety and justice on campus.
Justice Can’t Wait
“His anticipatory bail doesn’t absolve the institute of its moral and legal responsibility,” a student spokesperson said. “When a person accused of such heinous crimes continues to serve in a leadership role, it puts every student at risk.”
The RGNIYD administration has yet to issue a formal response.
