SPPU Student Protest: Promised Meeting Fails to Materialise, Students Allege Police Assault During Confrontation With Authorities

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 4th November 2026: Tensions escalated at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Wednesday after representatives of several student organisations alleged that the university administration failed to honour its assurance of holding a meeting with them and that police personnel manhandled and assaulted students during a confrontation on campus.

The incident took place after student representatives approached university authorities to seek answers regarding two controversial circulars issued in 2024 and 2026, which they claim restrict students’ freedom of expression, democratic rights and the right to organise protests on campus.

The latest confrontation follows a protest held on November 2 by various left-wing, progressive and Ambedkarite student organisations. During discussions with the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, the administration had reportedly assured the protesters that a meeting with student representatives would be arranged on November 4 to discuss their demands, particularly the dissolution of the university’s Management Council.

However, the student organisations claimed that no such meeting was organised on Wednesday. After the Management Council meeting, representatives approached its members Dr Devidas Vaydande, Dr Dhondiram Pawar and Acting Registrar Dr Praful Pawar to question them about the unfulfilled assurance.

During the interaction, students also sought clarification on the criteria under which permission was granted for a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route march on the university campus despite restrictions imposed through the circulars.

According to the student representatives, the administration failed to provide satisfactory answers. They were informed that the Management Council meeting had been postponed and that a meeting with its members could be arranged after Diwali if requested by the students. The members also reportedly clarified that student organisations have the right to organise protests on national issues.

The situation escalated when the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar were leaving without addressing the students’ concerns. Student organisations alleged that police personnel forcibly removed students from the premises and assaulted them, including women students.

Kiran Saindane of Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan alleged that he had sought just two minutes from the Vice-Chancellor to discuss the controversial circulars. However, instead of being given an opportunity to speak, police personnel allegedly held his hands, forcibly took him towards a vehicle and manhandled him. He demanded that the Vice-Chancellor take responsibility for the incident and that action be taken against those involved.

Abhishek Shelkar, President of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee, SPPU Unit, said the administration’s failure to address students’ concerns, fulfil its assurances and respect freedom of expression had severely affected their trust in the university authorities. He maintained that the organisations would continue their struggle through constitutional and democratic means.

Advocate Abhijit Gore Deshmukh, Pune President of NSUI, alleged that the university administration attempted to suppress students’ democratic rights by using police personnel against student representatives, including NSUI office-bearers. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the protest-related circulars.

Hansraj Khune, Pune City President of the Republican Students’ Army, criticised the administration’s position on the circulars and announced that his organisation would intensify its agitation and directly demand the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.

Aditya Kasare, Vice-President of the SFI Pune City Committee, also condemned the alleged police action. He said progressive, left-wing and Ambedkarite student organisations had been protesting against the two circulars for several days and alleged that despite a written assurance to facilitate discussions, the administration failed to initiate dialogue. He further alleged that police personnel assaulted ordinary students and representatives of student organisations.

Background: November 2 Protest

On November 2, several student organisations staged a protest at SPPU against Circular Nos. 316/2024 and 226/2026, alleging that the university had imposed restrictions on students’ personal freedom, freedom of expression and democratic activities.

The protesters demanded the withdrawal of both circulars, dissolution of the Management Council, an end to moral policing on campus and consultation with student representatives before taking decisions concerning students.

Following discussions with the university administration, two demands were accepted: an immediate end to moral policing affecting students’ personal freedom and consultation with student representatives and organisations before taking important decisions concerning them.

The administration had also reportedly assured the protesters that barricading on the university campus, which had created an atmosphere resembling a security camp, would be removed.

However, the demand concerning the Management Council and the withdrawal of the controversial circulars remained unresolved.

The November 4 developments have further intensified the dispute between student organisations and the university administration. The protesting groups have reiterated that their agitation will continue through constitutional and democratic means until the circulars are withdrawn, students’ rights are protected and accountability is fixed for the alleged police assault.