BHU Student Files FIR After Alleged Caste-Based Assault by Student Leader
A postgraduate student at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi has filed a formal police complaint alleging a violent, caste-based attack by a student leader on campus. The incident has sparked outrage and led to the arrest of the accused following a swift police investigation.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Prashant Mishra, a final-year MA (Hindi) student, lodged an FIR with the Lanka police station, accusing Himanshu Yadav, president of the BHU unit of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, of assaulting him. According to Mishra's complaint, the incident occurred on Wednesday when he was heading to his department.
Mishra stated that Yadav stopped him and demanded to know his name, caste, and class enrollment. The situation quickly escalated when Yadav allegedly used abusive language, repeatedly slapped Mishra, and called him a 'Manuvadi'—a derogatory term often used in caste contexts. Mishra further claimed that Yadav threatened him with dire consequences, leaving him in fear for his safety.
Police Action and Legal Charges
ACP Bhelupur Gaurav Kumar confirmed on Thursday that Yadav was arrested after an initial investigation into the matter. The complaint was forwarded to the Lanka police station by BHU's proctorial board, prompting immediate legal action.
Police have registered the FIR under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 352 for intentional insult
- Section 351(3) for criminal intimidation
This legal framework underscores the seriousness of the allegations, which combine physical violence with caste-based harassment.
CCTV Evidence and Safety Concerns
In his FIR, Mishra emphasized that the entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the department, providing potential video evidence to support his claims. He also identified Yadav as the unit president of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, a student political organization.
Mishra has urgently requested both university officials and police to ensure his life is protected, citing ongoing threats and intimidation. The case highlights growing concerns about campus safety and caste discrimination in educational institutions.
Broader Implications
This incident at one of India's premier universities raises critical questions about the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies and student conduct on campuses. Authorities are now under pressure to address these allegations transparently and ensure justice is served while safeguarding student welfare.
