MIT-WPU Pune Protest Turns Ugly: Faculty Member Slapped Student, Students Allegedly Hit Back

Kothrud, 1st September 2026: A protest broke out at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Kothrud on Tuesday after students who appeared for a year-down examination were allegedly failed again.

Students from different departments reportedly participated in the protest, along with members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP.

The situation reportedly escalated following an altercation between a faculty member and a student. While protesters alleged that the faculty member slapped a student, the university has denied the allegation. There were also claims that the faculty member was subsequently slapped multiple times by students. Police were called to the campus to control the situation.

The incident has raised concerns among students over the examination and re-evaluation process, as well as questions about the conduct of those involved during the protest.

BJYM Pune city president Dushyant Mohol told Punekar News that BJYM members and some students had gone to the university to submit a memorandum regarding their concerns.

“We had received complaints that MIT-WPU had collected fees for rechecking answer sheets but the answer sheets were not being shown to students. Many students have been failed by one or two marks, which could result in them losing an entire academic year. So, we went to submit the memorandum. However, there was an argument over entry, which escalated. Later, we submitted the memorandum, and a discussion will be held to resolve the students’ issues,” Mohol said.

MIT-WPU statement

In a statement, MIT-WPU said it had introduced special examinations as an academic support measure to help students continue their academic journey without losing a year.

“MIT World Peace University has gone beyond established practices and adopted progressive practices, including conducting special examinations to provide academic support to students, enabling them to continue their academic journey without a loss of year. The incident took place when the university administration had already taken necessary action, which was also communicated to students and parents,” the university said.

The university alleged that “unauthorised, illegal and mala fide involvement of certain external elements” led to the situation.

“University security personnel and officials acted promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of students and faculty members and to bring the situation under control,” the statement said.

MIT-WPU further alleged that certain external elements were attempting to create fear among students and disturb the peaceful educational environment on campus.

“The university will continue to take regular steps to address student concerns from time to time in the best interests of the students. The university is committed to protecting students’ interests and has always taken proactive steps in this regard,” it said.

The university also denied allegations circulating on social media that a faculty member had slapped a student, stating that the claim was “completely untrue”.