Farhan Zuberi, a doctoral fellow at Aligarh Muslim University and a former prominent student union leader known for his involvement in protests against Hindu nationalist policies, was arrested by the UP Police on Friday.
Late on Friday night, the police entered the campus of Aligarh Muslim University to apprehend AMU student Zaid Sherwani, who was accused in an FIR on charges of 120B. However, the police presence sparked protests by university students, during which Zaid Sherwani managed to escape, according to the police.
Based on a viral video from the protest, a case was filed against seven students, including the main accused Farhan. Six people from this group were subsequently arrested, while a non-bailable warrant was issued against Farhan Zubairi by the court. Later in the night, law enforcement received information that Farhan Zuberi was outside the VM Hall. Subsequently, a police team arrived and detained Farhan, bringing him to the Civil Lines police station.
Regarding the case of Zaid Sherwani, SP City Mrigank Shekhar Pathak stated that Zaid Sherwani was brought to the police station for questioning in connection with a case. A crowd had gathered there, but the AMU Proctor’s team assured that Zaid Sherwani would appear at the police station after participating in a Mushaira program at AMU on Saturday, with no intention of arresting him.
Zaid Sherwani, a research student at AMU, arrived on campus late at night and emphasized that he advocates for the rights of students within the university.
He asserted that raising one’s voice for the rights of students and teachers should not be considered a crime. Zaid Sherwani mentioned Farhan Zuberi, also a research scholar, urging for his prompt release; otherwise, a significant movement would be initiated.
Student activists at Aligarh Muslim University view this arrest as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices in anticipation of the 2024 elections.