HAU prof arrested for assault on students

The police today arrested Dr Radhey Shyam, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the College of Agriculture, Bawal, affiliated to the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, from his native village Chaudhariwali in the Adampur block of Hisar district.

Confirming the arrest, Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan stated that Radhey Shyam would be produced in court tomorrow. He is among the eight personnel of the HAU including Registrar Dr Pawan Kumar, Chief Security Officer Sukhbir Singh and five security staff personnel who were booked in the case of assault on the students on June 10 on the campus.

The arrest follows the university’s recent disciplinary actions, which included his suspension. As per the suspension order, he was barred from leaving his headquarters at Bawal.

The university’s Security Organisation has also suspended four security personnel -—Bijender, Anoop, Jagmesh Poonia, and Narender -- under the contractual persons policy 2022.

The disciplinary proceedings and arrest come in the wake of heightened unrest at the university and growing public outcry over the alleged mistreatment of students during protests on campus. Political leaders from the Opposition and social activists have backed the students in the stir.

The protest began after a violent incident late on June 10 when university security guards allegedly lathi-charged students outside the VC’s residence. The students had gathered to protest a scholarship policy and were reportedly met with force. Over 20 students were injured with six seriously hurt and hospitalised.

Cong backs students

Congress’ Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda condemned the assault on the students and called on the protesting students at the dharna site today. He also inquired about the condition of the injured students and backed the students' demands.

He demanded strict action against those responsible for the assault and called for the immediate suspension or resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. He urged students to continue their fight for justice with peace, discipline and patience, assuring them they are not alone and assured that the entire Opposition, state and nation stand with them. He assured that he would raise the issue in Parliament.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala also met the protesters. After meeting the injured students, Surjewala expressed support for their demands and assured that the Congress stood firmly with the students and would fight for their rights. He demanded their immediate dismissal of those who orchestrated the assault on the students.

He assured the students that he would write to the Chief Minister and the Governor to arrange a meeting between them and a delegation of students. Surjewala also mentioned that Congress leaders would be part of the delegation to ensure that the students' demands are presented strongly.