JJP Youth Leader and INSO Chief Among Eight Booked for Violent Protest at Hisar University
Police in Hisar have registered a case against eight individuals, including prominent political figures, in connection with a violent protest that disrupted academic activities at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (GJUST). The accused include Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) youth leader Digvijay Singh Chautala and Indian National Students Organisation (INSO) state president Deepak Malik.
Arrests Made and Judicial Custody
Six of the accused have been apprehended and sent to judicial custody, while the remaining two are still at large. A bail hearing in the case is scheduled for Saturday, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
The case was filed based on a complaint by university proctor Anil Kumar. Other individuals named in the FIR include Harinder Beniwal, Harikesh Dhanda, Jitendra Sheoran, Ajju Ghanghas, Ashish Kundu, and Rohit Soni. Charges levied against them include obstructing government work and damaging public property.
Details of the Violent Incident
According to the complaint, the accused forcibly entered the university campus around 12:15 pm on Thursday, causing significant disruption to academic operations. The protest turned violent outside the vice-chancellor's office, where property was damaged and attempts were made to break open the main gate. This created a state of panic among university staff and students.
The six individuals arrested are Jitendra Sheoran from Sector 9-11, Vijendra from Agroha, Gaurav from Vijay Nagar, Tarun Goyal from Preeti Nagar, Deepak from Surya Nagar, and Ravindra Kumar alias Ravi Ahuja from Multani Chowk.
Political Fallout and Protests
In response to the arrests, JJP workers staged a protest in the city on Friday. Former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala and Digvijay Chautala, along with their supporters, arrived at the Hisar City police station demanding the release of the arrested youth. Despite presenting themselves voluntarily, police did not detain them at that time.
JJP spokesperson Mandeep Bishnoi made serious allegations against law enforcement, claiming that a CIA in-charge attempted to ram his vehicle into the convoy of Dushyant and Digvijay Chautala near Sabzi Mandi Railway overbridge. He further alleged that the officer brandished a pistol before fleeing the scene.
Superintendent of Police Siddhant Jain confirmed that a complaint has been received regarding this incident and an inquiry has been initiated. He assured that appropriate action would be taken as per established rules and procedures.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
Dushyant Chautala strongly criticized the police action, suggesting it was influenced by directives from the chief minister's office. He claimed that while the protest caused minimal damage—limited to "only a few flower pots"—police conducted late-night raids and forcibly removed students from their homes.
He further alleged misconduct during these raids, including searches carried out without the presence of women police personnel. The JJP is reportedly considering legal action over these alleged violations.
Defending the protest as democratic in nature, Chautala stated that JJP's student wing had gathered to voice opposition against the functioning of the university vice-chancellor. He accused the government led by Nayab Singh Saini of attempting to suppress legitimate dissent.
Prohibitory Orders Imposed
In light of the escalating tensions, district magistrate-cum-deputy commissioner Mahendra Pal has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across the entire district.
Officials cited intelligence inputs suggesting that JJP youth and other student groups might attempt to march toward sensitive locations, including the university, Mini Secretariat, and various police stations. These concerns prompted the preemptive measures to maintain law and order and prevent potential traffic disruptions.
