Students Being Harassed By Pune Police For Gathering At SPPU Campus – Alleges Kuldeep Ambekar Of Student Helping Hands

Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 18th February 2024: President of Student Helping Hands organization, Adv Kuldeep Ambekar, has raised serious questions about an alleged conspiracy between Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and Chatushrungi Police Station of Pune City Police, accusing them of filing false cases against 40 students associated with the student movement.

Ambekar alleges that the SPPU administration, in collaboration with the police, is attempting to harm students involved in the movement by implicating them in court cases. He questions the delay in recognizing a breach of peace, pointing out that it took three months for the police and SPPU administration to acknowledge an incident following a dispute between two organizations on the campus.

On November 4, 2023, MLA Rohit Pawar visited SPPU to discuss student issues after clashes between student groups on the campus on November 1, 2023. Ambekar claims that two days after this interaction, an FIR was registered against 40 students for breach of peace. He questions the sudden turn of events and the involvement of the police and university administration in what he perceives as a targeted action against the students.

In his letter, Ambekar singles out Dr Vijay Khare, the In-Charge Registrar, alleging that the case is a result of his influence.

Even after repeated attempts, Khare could not be reached for his comments.

Ambekar also points to a timeline discrepancy in the complaint filed by a security guard on the written orders of the SPPU registrar on November 6, 2023, at 6:16 pm.

However, Ambekar claims that the date and time of incident (November 4 at 6.15 pm) is the same when NCP MLA Rohit Pawar had come to meet the students in the backdrop of clashes. Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare and a huge police team was also present on the campus. MLA Pawar submitted a letter to the SPPU Vice Chancellor around 7.39 pm.

As per the FIR, members of Students Federation of India, Vidyarthi Kruti Samiti, NSUI, Samvichari Sanghatana, Ambekar of Students Helping Hands and 40 others gathered at 6.15 pm on November 4, 2023, outside the main administrative building of the SPPU. They protested against the SPPU circular number 270 dated 3rd November 2023. The circular prohibited any membership drive, protest, program on the campus without permission of the SPPU.

Police registered a case against 10 identified and 30-40 unidentified persons for the protest. The case has been registered for offences under sections 37 (power to prohibit certain for prevention of disorder) and 135 (Penalty for contravention of rule or directions under Section 37) of the Maharashtra Police Act.

“Now, students are allegedly being called to the Chatushrungi Police Station, where information is being collected, damaging the careers of 40 individuals”, said Ambekar, adding, “this is an attempt to cause harm and hinder the lives of innocent students.”

In addition to documenting this conspiracy in a letter, Ambekar asserts that he possesses photographic and video evidence to back his claim. In conclusion, Ambekar pleads for a thorough investigation into the alleged conspiracy and false cases, seeking justice for the students affected.

When contacted, Inspector Pandhare said that he has been transferred to the Crime Branch from Chatushrungi police station on 24th January and he is not aware of the current status of the case.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Vijaykumar Magar said that he is currently attending training session and not aware of the case details.