Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) vehemently expressed their disapproval on Saturday through a protest against U.P. Congress president, Ajay Rai, and symbolically incinerated an effigy in response to his alleged “insensitive, unbridled, and politically motivated remarks.” His comments were perceived as a deliberate endeavor to besmirch the reputation of the Vidyarthi Parishad and influence the ongoing investigation.
Rai issued a statement wherein he pointed accusatory fingers at ABVP members in connection with the alleged misconduct involving a female student at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). ABVP members staunchly contested these allegations, emphasizing the necessity for punitive measures against Rai for his unsubstantiated claims.
ABVP representatives conveyed their deep concern regarding the incident of molestation concerning a female IIT BHU student. They underscored that this matter should transcend political affiliations, as the incident, which transpired late at night on November 1 within the BHU’s IIT campus, is a deeply regrettable occurrence. The ABVP unequivocally calls for stringent action in response to this incident.
Moreover, the ABVP has advocated for the implementation of robust safety protocols for women on university campuses to preclude the recurrence of such incidents, not only within BHU but across all educational institutions in the nation. They reiterated their unwavering support for students and decried the groundless comments by a Congress leader on such a sensitive matter, asserting that it diverts the course of justice in the wrong direction.
ABVP members have accused Rai of engaging in low-level and opportunistic politics within the ambit of the students’ movement. They contend that there is no place for politics in this situation. The statement made by the Congress leader is perceived as a malicious effort to divert the investigation and shield the accused.
ABVP has lodged a formal complaint, seeking the registration of an FIR at the Lanka police station, in order to initiate legal proceedings against the Congress leader’s unsubstantiated and anti-women remarks.
Following the BHU incident, ABVP members, alongside other students, continue to stage ongoing protests on the campus. Their demands include the identification of the culprits involved and the imposition of stringent actions against them. In contrast, Congress leaders are being censured for politicizing the incident through unsupported allegations, which ABVP views as an ineffective and opportunistic endeavor.
ABVP workers expressed their sorrow concerning the incident of misconduct and molestation at Kashi Hindu University, reaffirming their support for the students and their commitment to securing justice for the victim and preventing the recurrence of such distressing events. They advocate for the enhancement of systems related to women’s safety to ensure the prevention of such incidents in the future.
