Patna University Student Leader Defies Authorities After Protest FIR
In a dramatic escalation of tensions at Patna University, student union president Shantanu Shekhar has released a defiant video statement days after an FIR was registered against him and five other students. The case stems from a protest during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's visit to the university campus on March 28, with police now actively seeking Shekhar's arrest.
Defiant Stand Against Alleged Political Pressure
In his emotionally charged video address released on Thursday, Shekhar declared his readiness to face arrest or even what he termed an "encounter" if authorities attempt to silence him for advocating student issues. The student leader accused the government of filing a "fake case" in retaliation for his questions about poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the exclusion of the vice chancellor during the inauguration of a Rs 150-crore campus building.
"If speaking for students' rights does not suit you, then shoot me or encounter me — I am not scared," Shekhar stated boldly in the video. He positioned himself as a political activist, declaring, "I am a soldier of Rahul Gandhi and am fighting for people's rights like him."
Political Allegations and Specific Demands
The student leader's accusations extended beyond the immediate protest incident. Shekhar specifically targeted Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha, alleging systematic attempts to transform Patna University into what he described as an RSS hub. His video statement included several concrete demands:
- Immediate release of two arrested students — Anurag Kumar and Mohammad Ehsanullah
- Complete withdrawal of all cases filed against student protesters
- Addressing the fundamental infrastructure and faculty issues he raised during the protest
Shekhar announced his intention to surrender in court on April 9, setting a specific timeline for the confrontation with authorities.
Police Response and Legal Proceedings
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have taken a markedly different view of the situation. Town DSP Rajesh Ranjan confirmed that police teams have been conducting raids to locate and arrest Shekhar. The police have categorically dismissed the student leader's statements as "politically motivated" and emphasized their commitment to following due legal process.
According to official police accounts, the FIR at Pirbahore police station was justified by specific incidents during the March 28 protest. Authorities allege that students obstructed official work, misbehaved with police personnel, and were involved in physical altercations. The case names six identified individuals including Shekhar, along with 36 unidentified persons.
Two students have already been taken into custody in connection with the incident, with police indicating more arrests may follow as their investigation continues. The contrasting narratives — between student activists claiming persecution for legitimate grievances and police citing law and order violations — highlight the deepening conflict at one of Bihar's premier educational institutions.
