ABVP stages protest at DU's Ramanujan College over allegations against suspended student

NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Thursday staged a protest at Delhi University's Ramanujan College over allegations against a student, who they said was an NSUI office-bearer. The organisation also burnt an effigy of the student organisation and demanded an NIA probe into the matter. The protest was held over allegations against Anas Khan, an NSUI office-bearer at the college, following the circulation of WhatsApp chats on social media.

The messages allegedly contain proposals offering female students financial benefits, travel opportunities and concert passes in exchange for spending time with men, besides objectionable remarks about their appearance and personality.

The allegations have triggered outrage among students, with the ABVP claiming that the matter could involve an organised network and demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged activities and related financial transactions. The ABVP also sought strict legal action against those found guilty and questioned the Congress and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) over their accountability for women's safety.

Also read UGC helpline for reporting sexual harassment defunct from the start but listed on Saksham portal

Student suspended from college

The student has already been suspended from the college till February 1, 2027. Meanwhile, NSUI has clarified that the student is no longer affiliated with the student organisation, as he was suspended from the organisation during DUSU elections over "anti-organisational activities and indiscipline". Drawing parallels with earlier cases involving individuals associated with the Congress and NSUI, the student organisation referred to allegations of sexual harassment against former NSUI national president Firoz Khan in 2018, following which he resigned from the post. The ABVP said the allegations in these cases raised questions about organisational accountability and called on the Congress to ensure transparency in matters involving individuals associated with it.

ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma said the allegations involving Anas Khan had deeply disturbed students and called for an NIA investigation to establish the possible network and links behind the activities. He also alleged that female students who raised objections were threatened and said suspension alone would not be sufficient if the allegations were established.

DUSU president Yash Dabas said the screenshots and complaints that had emerged were concerning and demanded an NIA probe, adding that no individual found guilty should receive political protection.