Controversies Surround Arrest of Dalit Student After Expressing Concerns Over Ram Temple Celebrations
Mumbai, 3rd February 2024: The arrest of a 23-year-old Dalit student from the Latur district in Mumbai has sparked controversy after he expressed concern over Ram Temple celebrations organized by right-leaning students at the International Institute for Population Studies (IIPS). The incident unfolded when approximately 35 students submitted a confidential letter to IIPS director S.K. Singh, urging intervention to prevent potential communal tension arising from the celebrations. The institute’s failure to address the concerns outlined in the letter and protect the confidentiality of the signatories led to the arrest of the student, known for coordinating the protest letter.
The arrested student faced charges after a fellow student filed a First Information Report (FIR) against him for posting a critical WhatsApp status on the consecration day. Despite dissent from several students on social media, only this particular student faced legal consequences.
Some students argue that the post served as a pretext, suggesting that the individual would have faced backlash regardless due to his involvement in mobilizing students against the Ram Mandir celebration. The initial letter highlighted potential harm to secular sentiments on the multicultural campus and emphasized the need for restrictions on celebrations that could deepen divisions among students.
The administration’s lack of response to the initial concerns led to the arrest, placing pressure on those who submitted the letter to issue an apology. Surprisingly, the apology requested by the administration contradicted the students’ initial concerns and required them to express remorse for purportedly hurting the sentiments of those celebrating the Ram temple consecration.
Despite the enforced apologies, right-leaning students continued their celebrations, displaying posters and hoisting saffron flags across the campus. Allegations suggest that the celebrations included processions that extended late into the night, with reports of heckling Muslim students on campus.
The arrest deviated from typical campus dispute resolution protocols, as the complainant directly approached the police station without involving the institute. The student faced charges under Sections 153 (A) and 295 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for “creating enmity between religion” and spent two days in police custody before being granted bail.
Post the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, student organizations like the Ambedkar Student Association (ASA) faced repercussions, with the group disbanding after members withdrew. A student associated with the ASA attributed this decision to the perceived targeting of members for their political beliefs and the lack of resources to contend with right-wing forces. The arrested student, now back on campus, declined to comment on the situation.
