SBSP Leaders Visit Injured ABVP Activists After Police Clash

A delegation from the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) visited the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow on March 15, 2024, to express solidarity with ABVP activists injured during a recent police lathicharge at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University in Barabanki. The visit was led by SBSP’s chief general secretary, Arvind Rajbhar, who assured the injured activists of full support and called for an impartial investigation into the incident.

The delegation’s visit followed instructions from SBSP chief and cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar. According to SBSP chief spokesperson Arun Rajbhar, the meeting aimed to address the concerns of the students affected by the police action. Former deputy chief minister and Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma also participated in the visit.

During the encounter between police and ABVP activists, tensions escalated after Om Prakash Rajbhar referred to the activists as “goonda” in a video that subsequently circulated widely on social media. This remark prompted ABVP members to gather outside his residence, where they protested by burning his effigy.

Arvind Rajbhar condemned the police’s actions, describing them as “barbaric” and “shameful.” He emphasized that the ABVP is dedicated to safeguarding the interests and rights of students, asserting that such conduct towards students cannot be justified.

Rajbhar criticized the university administration for conducting LLB programs without the necessary permissions and recognition, stating, “This undermines the future of students.” He added that irregularities within educational institutions create an environment of insecurity for students, which is detrimental to their aspirations and careers.

The SBSP delegation’s visit underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the incident and highlights the need for accountability from the authorities involved. Students and activists alike are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure that such actions do not recur in the future.