Student Protests and Violence Raise Questions Over Safety at Indian Universities

Violence and protests at Indian educational institutions have intensified in recent weeks, raising concerns over campus security, student safety and the involvement of political groups in university affairs.

The Wire reported that several students were seriously injured after men described as BJP and RSS workers allegedly went on a rampage at a prestigious film institute in Kolkata. The publication reported that eight students sustained serious injuries, while more than 150 others suffered injuries of varying degrees.

The Wire also reported allegations that female students were subjected to inappropriate behaviour and that students were verbally abused during the incident.

Separately, protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab intensified following allegations that a female student was raped on campus. The university has denied the allegation, while police have launched an investigation into the incident.

The protests at LPU turned violent, with students reportedly clashing with police, damaging university property and blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway. The university subsequently suspended classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations.

The Wire reported that hundreds of students participated in the demonstrations and that vehicles were set on fire during the unrest.

The developments have renewed debate in India over student safety, campus administration and the role of politics in educational institutions.