Why Were Student Leader Nirmal Chaudhary and MLA Abhimanyu Poonia Detained from Rajasthan University?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Two prominent figures, Nirmal Chaudhary and Abhimanyu Poonia, faced police detention at Rajasthan University during a crucial exam day. Their claims of unlawful arrest and political motives raise significant questions about student rights and police conduct. What does this mean for the future of activism in educational institutions?
Key Takeaways
- Student rights are under scrutiny amid rising police actions.
- Political motivations are being questioned in law enforcement actions.
- Activism in educational institutions faces significant challenges.
- Detention of leaders raises concerns about freedom of speech.
- Public figures are voicing strong opposition to police conduct.
Jaipur, June 21 (NationPress) Early on Saturday morning, around 8 a.m., student leader Nirmal Chaudhary and Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia were taken into custody by police from the Rajasthan University campus.
Eyewitnesses reported that Chaudhary was seen being led into a police vehicle. Both had come to the university to take their fourth-semester Philosophy exam.
Reports suggest that police, some in plain clothes, had been stationed at the university since dawn to detain Chaudhary. Following their arrest, both Chaudhary and Poonia posted videos and messages on social media, accusing the police of acting illegally and disrupting students during an official examination.
In a social media update, Chaudhary claimed that he had been shadowed by plain-clothed officers since early morning.
Upon arriving at the examination hall, he asserted he was unjustly detained before he could sit for the test. Poonia, also at the exam site, faced similar treatment. After their detention, both were reportedly taken to the Gandhi Nagar police station.
In their statements, both individuals condemned the police action, labeling it as “hooliganism” and a troubling signal to the general populace.
They accused the police of politically motivated actions under the current ruling party.
“The police arrived in civilian garb and interrupted the examination process. To arrest us within the exam center is a disgraceful act,” expressed Chaudhary.
Poonia echoed his sentiments, questioning whether advocating for the people's rights had become a punishable offense. He vowed to continue his struggle against injustice despite the police intervention.
Poonia was released later, while Chaudhary was taken to the Sanganer Sadar police station. Their detention is linked to a case from the 2022 protests.
In response to the arrests, Member of Parliament Hanuman Beniwal vocally condemned the actions of the Jaipur Police, describing the arrests as a representation of police bias and a direct attack on the independence of Rajasthan University.
“I strongly denounce this conduct,” he stated in an X post, tagging Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and demanding the immediate release of both leaders.
DCP East Tejaswini Gautam noted, “A case of obstruction in government work was filed against Nirmal Chaudhary in 2022, necessitating police action. Today, we have detained him. The police did not bring MLA Abhimanyu Poonia; he voluntarily entered the vehicle to support Nirmal.”
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the complexity of this incident. The actions taken by the police raise critical questions about the limits of authority in educational settings. While the law must be upheld, it is equally crucial to ensure that student voices are not stifled under the guise of governance. This incident signifies a pivotal moment for student rights and the broader implications for activism in India.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the reasons for the detention of Nirmal Chaudhary and Abhimanyu Poonia?
They were detained by police while attempting to attend their examination, with accusations of unlawful arrest and obstruction of students during an official exam.
What were the reactions from the detained leaders?
Both Nirmal Chaudhary and Abhimanyu Poonia condemned the police actions, labeling them as politically motivated and an infringement on student rights.
What does this event imply for student activism?
This incident raises concerns about the future of student activism, highlighting the tension between authority and the right to protest.
How did the political figures respond to the detention?
MP Hanuman Beniwal criticized the police, calling the arrests an assault on the independence of Rajasthan University.
What was the police's justification for the arrests?
The police cited a previous case against Nirmal Chaudhary for obstruction in government work, necessitating their actions during the arrest.
