The students were arrested for demanding the release of Khalid Pradhan, a 22-year-old first-year physiotherapy student. He was detained for allegedly uploading a video of students offering namaz
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Students of the Meerut IIMT University, arrested on March 17 for holding a demonstration demanding the release of a fellow student, have alleged Uttar Pradesh Police brutality and high-handedness.
The students were arrested after nearly 400 Muslim students gathered at the university’s main gate, demanding the release of Khalid Pradhan, aka Khalid Mewati, a 22-year-old first-year physiotherapy student. He was detained for allegedly uploading a video of students offering namaz.
The students, according to media reports reaching here on Tuesday, asserted that they were compelled to offer prayers on campus as the university’s re-entry restrictions during college hours left them with no other option.
The March 17 protest, which started as a peaceful march, soon turned chaotic as the students were denied permission to stage a rally on the campus.
Instead, the police asked them to accompany them to the police station to “settle the issue.” But students allege they were detained midway by constables, surrounded, and showered with sudden lathi blows.
“They called them for talks, but instead, the students were stopped midway, and beaten. Some had their clothes torn and all of them sustained injuries,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous.
He further alleged that police officers forcibly deleted videos of the incident and threatened students against recording or sharing any content, media reports said.
Following the namaz row, the university administration suspended three security guards. However, concerns persist over Pradhan’s detention. He remains in custody under the provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 299 and the IT Act, reportedly without access to legal counsel or external communication. “He is completely cut off, and we have no information about his well-being,” said another student.
Fear grips the student community, many of whom refuse to comment further on the matter. “There is a prevailing sense of fear among students. We are not sure what will happen next,” another student said, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra justified the police action citing the violation of public gathering restrictions by the students. “They did not take prior permission for staging the protest and did not disperse when asked to,” he said.
Meanwhile, some groups, led by Hindutva leader Sachin Sirohi, continue to demand action against those involved in the namaz video, arguing that its timing — on the eve of Holi — was intended to provoke discord.
With Pradhan still in custody and students in palpable fear, the controversy underscores the fragile communal balance on university campuses. Whether authorities will take further action or provide any relief remains to be seen, as the case continues to unfold.
