DU suspends Ramanujan College student over Ahmedabad concert controversy; ABVP-NSUI face-off

Delhi University's Ramanujan College has suspended a fifth-semester BA (Hons) Hindi student after its proctorial committee investigated complaints that he allegedly enticed female students to travel to a concert in Ahmedabad by offering them monetary benefits and other incentives. 

Anas Khan, a BA (Hons) Hindi student in 5th semester, has been suspended from the college till February 1, 2027, the suspension letter dated November 6 said. 

As per reports, the college suspension letter dated November 6, the action against the student was taken following allegations that the student had 'induced' female students to travel to Ahmedabad for a Diljit Dosanjh concert by offering them monetary benefits, gifts and other incentives.

However, the student has been allowed to appear for scheduled university exams but has been barred from participating in regular academic and extracurricular activities during the suspension period.  The student has also been directed to submit a formal written undertaking.

Meanwhile, the ABVP shared a document, dated August 28, that purportedly names the student as vice president of NSUI's unit in the Ramanujan College.

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ABVP-NSUI face-off

The suspension triggered a political controversy, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) targeting the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), saying that the student was an NSUI office-bearer.

The Congress-affiliated outfit, NSUI, then clarified that it had also suspended the student during Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections and he has no association with the NSUI.

Citing screenshots of purported WhatsApp screenshots circulating online, the ABVP alleged that female freshers were being lured with concert tickets, travel arrangements and monetary benefits. It questioned the NSUI's stance on women's safety and called for a transparent probe and strict action. 

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Another allegation of harassment against NSUI member

The ABVP also referred to a 2018 controversy involving allegations of sexual harassment against a former NSUI national president, accusing the Congress-affiliated student wing of double standards on issues concerning women's safety.

However, while responding to the allegations, the NSUI condemned the alleged misconduct and said any attempt to exploit, lure or financially induce female students was unacceptable.

The student body said that the student had been suspended by NSUI during the DUSU elections over alleged indiscipline and anti-organisational activities, long before this controversy, and had no association with the student group and his alleged individual actions should not be linked to the organisation.

"NSUI has always stood firmly for the dignity, safety and rights of women students. We strongly condemn any conduct that attempts to exploit female students through financial inducements or otherwise.... he had already been suspended by NSUI during the DUSU elections itself. It is misleading to associate his alleged individual actions with an organisation that had already taken disciplinary action against him," Ravi Pandey, national media in-charge of NSUI, said.

He demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the allegations and strict action against anyone found guilty. "Women's safety is a serious issue and should not be reduced to political point-scoring," he added.With inputs from PTI