Jodhpur: Tension gripped Jai Narayan Vyas University after a Dalit student was assaulted by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members for not attending a political welcome event. The incident has sparked outrage among Dalit organisations and student groups.
The victim, Kamal Kishore, a final-year B.Sc. student from Jaisalmer, said in his police complaint that he was targeted for not joining the student gathering arranged to welcome BJP leader Satish Poonia. He stated that ABVP leader Ravindra Singh Banta, along with four others, barged into his hostel room and physically attacked him. Kishore suffered serious injuries to his ribs and stomach and also fractured a finger.
The attackers allegedly used casteist slurs during the assault. The incident has been widely condemned, with Dalit organisations staging a protest outside Bhagat Ki Kothi police station. They demanded immediate arrests and strict legal action against the accused.
Following pressure from the protests, police registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Jodhpur police officer Rajeev Bhady confirmed that an investigation has begun and assured that action will be taken.
Kamal Kishore is currently receiving treatment at Mathuradas Mathur Hospital. Activists said the incident reflects rising intolerance in academic spaces where students are often pressured to participate in political events. They demanded accountability from university authorities and protection for vulnerable students on campus.
