Six Muslim students were arrested at IIMT University after protesting the detention of their fellow student, Khalid Pradhan, who was jailed for offering namaz on campus.
The peaceful demonstration, which included around 400 students, demanded Khalid’s release.
Despite the protest being non-violent, police intervened with force, using lathis to disperse the crowd.
One of the protesters questioned the university’s stance, pointing out that Hindu religious events are held on campus, yet Muslim students faced punishment for practicing their faith during Ramadan.
Authorities deemed the protest illegal, citing the lack of prior permission.
The protest was triggered by a viral Instagram video showing students offering namaz at the university.
The video sparked online backlash, with Hindutva groups demanding legal action, claiming it was meant to incite communal tensions.
Following this, Khalid was arrested and the university suspended him along with three security personnel.
Police officials stated that the timing of the video—just before Holi—raised concerns about communal unrest. Khalid was charged under laws related to inciting religious tensions and the Information Technology Act.
Additionally, an FIR was registered against both him and the university administration.
University representatives acknowledged that the namaz was performed in an open space and expressed concerns about the video’s impact on communal harmony.
Meanwhile, police defended their crackdown on the protest, stating that students had gathered without official permission and refused to negotiate.
The incident has raised questions about religious freedom and selective enforcement of rules on university campuses.
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