A provocative Instagram announcement about a non-existent ‘Pre-Kashmir’ talk on Kunan-Poshpora at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru triggered ABVP-led protests, culminating in an FIR by Sarjapur police. The ‘Spark Reading Circle’ page’s post alleged a campus event on the 1991 Kashmir incident, prompting immediate backlash.
University Registrar Rishikesh’s complaint detailed reputational harm and public deception. Officials debunked the claim, affirming no connection to the page or event. ABVP members entered the premises forcefully, causing disruptions that led to bailable charges against them post-bail.
Contrastingly, students holding a peaceful assembly now confront non-bailable Section 299 charges—a move decried as stifling debate. ABVP insists unauthorized activities warrant internal handling via committees, not criminalization. Students lament the erosion of a safe space for rigorous discourse on history and social issues.
As the investigation unfolds, this episode highlights perils of unchecked social media in academia. It pits administrative prudence against academic liberty, with calls for the university to withdraw cases and foster internal resolutions. Bengaluru’s academic circles watch closely, fearing broader chilling effects on campus freedoms.