Bhim Army Chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad Detained During Protest Supporting Former DU Professor

In a recent development, Delhi Police apprehended Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad, along with a group of Delhi University students, during a demonstration held in North Campus. The protest aimed to express solidarity with former assistant professor Ritu Singh, whose services were terminated by Daulat Ram College in 2020. Ms. Singh has been actively opposing alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment by the college administration, and the matter is currently sub judice.

 

 

According to a senior police officer, Aazad and his supporters, along with other students, were detained as they lacked the necessary permission to conduct the demonstration. Approximately 80 individuals, including Aazad, were taken into custody and transported to the Burari police station. The detainees are expected to be released after a brief period. Expressing concern over the incident, Maya John, a member of Delhi University’s Academic Council, lamented the diminishing democratic space within the university campus and beyond.

 

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She condemned the authorities’ crackdown on protests and emphasized the urgent need for democratic forces to unite against what she described as administrative authoritarianism, repression, and a lack of accountability. John asserted, “What happened today is really condemnable… the way the authorities are clamping down on protests, leaving no democratic space for resistance.” She called for collective resistance to uphold democratic values in the face of what she perceives as a growing trend of suppressing dissent. Following the events on January 9th, where section 144 was imposed at the protest site Dr. Singh’s belongings were looted, Dr. Singh has filed legal complaints against the police for their alleged unruly behavior.In an interaction on January 10th, Dr. Ritu Singh asserted her democratic right to protest, expressing no fear of the law.

 

She questioned the imposition of section 144, emphasizing that the protest is constitutional, and vowed to continue her movement. Addressing the issue of caste in educational institutions, Dr. Singh highlighted the administration’s reluctance to empower students from marginalized communities. Ashutosh Bouddh, president of Delhi University’s Bhim Army Student Federation, echoed the sentiment, stating that their fight against the “Manuwadi thought process” continues. Allegations were made that Dr. Ritu Singh was manhandled during her detainment, leading to criticism of the Delhi Police under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

 

The legal proceedings initiated by Dr. Ritu Singh mark a new chapter in her determined pursuit of justice amidst an increasingly contentious protest. The movement is gaining momentum, drawing attention to issues of institutional bias and alleged police .

 

By Yashasvi Raghav