Students Allege Police Assault During Protest at Aligarh Muslim University

Students Allege Police Assault During Protest at Aligarh Muslim University
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A report from Maktoob Media details a protest at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) where students were allegedly assaulted by Uttar Pradesh police. The protest, which had been ongoing for six days, was in response to a 36% fee hike.

Students claim that police entered the campus during Friday prayers, where they allegedly dragged away worshippers and used tear gas. One female student reported that she was pushed in the chest. In response to the alleged police action, the Doctors’ Residence Association of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College at AMU held a “White Coat March.” Student unions from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University also joined the protest in solidarity.

AMU’s Vice Chancellor, while acknowledging the students’ anxiety, claimed that “vested interests” were exploiting the situation and promised an investigation into alleged misconduct by proctorial staff. In a press release, the university defended the fee increase, stating that a “moderate revision” was necessary to cover rising costs and improve student services, including infrastructure and health amenities. The situation remains tense as students have vowed to continue their protest.