Azim Premji University files FIR against Kashmir event organisers; student council speaks up for them

The Student Council of Azim Premji University (APU) has formally criticised the private university’s decision to file a First Information Report (FIR) against members of the SPARK Reading Circle, calling the move “disproportionate” and urging the administration to reconsider criminal proceedings.

The FIR, registered by the Bengaluru Rural Police, was based on a complaint by the university registrar. According to the complaint, the student group allegedly organised a programme using the university’s name without authorisation and circulated content that led to a “security breach” on campus.

In a statement issued on February 26, the APU Student Council expressed concern over the escalation of what it described as a campus-level matter into a criminal case.

“We acknowledge that organising a campus event without prior administrative approval may constitute a breach of university protocol. However, the student council believes that such a breach is best addressed through the university’s own internal mechanisms such as the disciplinary committee, rather than through an FIR.”

The controversy stems from a confrontation earlier this week when members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) allegedly broke into the Azim Premji University campus during a discussion organised by SPARK to mark 35 years of the alleged Kunan-Poshpora mass sexual violence case.

APU Student Council: ‘Asymmetry in outcomes’

The APU Student Council said it was particularly troubled by what it termed unequal treatment in the aftermath of the confrontation on campus. “What concerns us most is the asymmetry in outcomes following the events of the past few days. Those who entered the campus uninvited, caused physical harm to members of our community, and damaged university property have been granted bail and face bailable charges. Meanwhile, students who organised a peaceful gathering, whatever the procedural lapses, are now subject to a non-bailable offence under Section 299.”

The statement also framed the issue as one concerning academic freedom. “The university’s education actively encourages critical engagement with history, politics and social justice. We are taught to ask hard questions and have considered this university a safe space for open discussions. For the administration to respond to students engaging in discussion with a criminal FIR undermines the intellectual freedom this institution is founded on.”

The council urged the administration to withdraw criminal proceedings. “We respectfully urge the administration to reconsider the decision to pursue criminal action against these students. The student council is committed to working towards a solution that protects the well-being of our students.”

Spark alleges vandalism and assault

Spark, linked to the All India Students Association, describes itself as a student-youth led magazine based in Bengaluru that speaks on socio-political issues that affect the masses.

In posts on its official Instagram handle, it said, “Members of ABVP forcibly entered Azim Premji University campus and vandalised university property by scribbling ‘Ban Spark’ on the entrance wall.”

Spark further alleged that students were verbally abused and physically targeted. “The ABVP members labelled students as ‘anti-nationals’ and tried to spin a false narrative of separatism inside the campus,” the post stated. “ABVP members also beat up students who they specifically targeted for wearing skull caps.”

The group also questioned the police response. “As the whole scene was unfolding, the police initially stood there as passive spectators. No immediate or visible attempt was made to prevent the mob from entering,” Spark alleged.

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) also condemned the incident, describing it as “violence, hooliganism and vandalism” and demanding the arrest of those responsible.

ABVP responds to allegations

Abhinandan Mirji, Bengaluru City Secretary of ABVP said the organisation objected to the framing of the programme. “We got information that a study circle SPARK is conducting an anti-national event at the university, claiming that in 1991 the Indian Army surrounded two villages in Kashmir and gangraped 35 women,” Mirji said in a statement.

He alleged that posters related to the event contained “separatist elements” and claimed the group had previously organised similar events. “Spark APU, backed by AISA, has been conducting pro-Naxal and pro-separatism events for over three years,” he alleged.

According to him, members of ABVP had sought to meet the vice-chancellor to demand cancellation of the event but were prevented by security staff. He further claimed that when they went inside, members of the Spark APU raised “pro-Palestine slogans.” “Police arrested us but did not take action against the organisation that was carrying out the event,” he added.