13 students arrested for trying to burn Manusmriti in BHU Campus
Date: 28 Dec 2024
Burning of Manusmriti: A Crime Against Humanity, Netizen Commented
Varanasi (BHU): A heated controversy erupted at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) over the ancient text, Manusmriti on December 25. A group of students, associated with the Left-liberal backed Bhagat Singh Chhatra Morcha, allegedly attempted to burn copies of the Manusmriti, sparking a major altercation with university security and the Proctorial Board. Police intervened and arrested 13 students, including 10 men and 3 women, on charges of inciting communal tension, assault, and vandalism.
The incident took place at the Faculty of Arts crossing on the BHU campus, where the students reportedly gathered to express their opposition to the Manusmriti (เคฎเคจเฅเคธเฅเคฎเฅเคคเคฟ). University security staff tried to disperse the crowd. Still, the situation escalated into a clash, resulting in injuries to two female security guards, who were later admitted to the BHU Trauma Center for treatment. Upon being informed, security guards reached the spot and attempted to pacify the students, preventing them from burning the Manusmriti. However, the accused allegedly attacked the security personnel, vandalised property and obstructed official duties.
According to a complaint lodged by the universityโs Chief Security Officer, the students not only attempted to ignite religious unrest but also engaged in assault and obstruction of official duties. Based on a complaint, an FIR was registered at the Lanka police station under BNS sections 32 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 121 (Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 196 (Promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 190 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 191 (Rioting), 115 (Voluntarily causing hurt) and 110 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide).
The Lanka police have since booked and presented the accused students in Varanasi District Court Complex (CJM Court), leading to their remand in judicial custody for 14 days.
“The students allegedly attempted to burn the Manusmriti as part of a โplanned effort to incite religious discord and create a disturbance,โ Shivakant Mishra, SHO of Lanka police station. said. The arrested students include current and former students from various academic backgrounds including some outsiders, such as BA and MA programs.
The names released by the Lanka police include Mukesh Kumar, Sandeep Jaiswal, Amar Sharma, Lakshman Kumar, Arvind Pal, and others. Among the female students, Ipshita Agarwal (MSc Psychology), Siddhi Tiwari (MA Sociology), and Katyayani B. Reddy (BA) are also in custody.
Meanwhile, the arrested students have alleged mistreatment by the police and university guards.
The burning of Manusmriti has been strongly condemned by intellectuals and social activists, who have labeled it an attack on cultural heritage and harmony. Many have called such acts a crime against humanity, stressing that disagreements with historical texts must be addressed through academic discourse rather than violence.
The incident has reignited debates on the interpretation of ancient texts and the boundaries of freedom of expression on university campuses. Manusmriti is a civilizational book, famous for upholding Dharmashasanam. Authorities have called for calm while the investigation continues.
