Days after ABVP clash, bulldozer rolls in Shri Ramswaroop University in UP’s Barabanki
In Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, a tense situation unfolded on Saturday as authorities carried out a major demolition drive at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University. This happened just days after police used force against students during protests involving the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad).
The action was taken to remove illegal structures on the university campus. Officials from the local administration, led by the Nawabganj Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), along with revenue staff and police personnel, arrived at the site with heavy machinery. Two bulldozers were used to break down the parts of the campus that officials say were built without proper approval.
The police left the area heavily guarded, making the campus look like a high-security zone. Revenue officers explained that after measuring the land and checking documents, they found evidence of encroachments — meaning some constructions were done on land that didn’t belong to the university or lacked legal permission. The area was then cleared and demolished accordingly.
This demolition comes in the wake of a heated protest earlier this week. Students from Shri Ramswaroop University, along with ABVP activists, had protested against the university’s law courses, claiming they were being offered without proper recognition. Students argued that the university is still accepting new students for the LLB program even after the course’s recognition was canceled. They also said that the law courses are not affiliated with the Bar Council of India, which is necessary for recognition.
During the protests, clashes broke out between students, ABVP workers, and police. Police used baton charges to control the crowd, resulting in injuries to over 25 people. The administration labeled the protesting students and ABVP workers as “outsiders” involved in the trouble.
The protests and police action sparked widespread outrage across Uttar Pradesh. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a thorough investigation into police conduct. He asked officials, including the Divisional Commissioner and IG of Ayodhya Range, to look into the incident closely. As part of this, Circle Officer Harshit Chauhan was removed from his position to ensure accountability. The IG has been specifically instructed to examine the police’s role during the cane charge.
This series of events highlights ongoing issues related to illegal construction, student protests, and police actions in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities are now focusing on taking strict action and ensuring transparency in handling such incidents.
