MEERUT: A 22-year-old student of a private university was arrested Sunday for allegedly posting a video of some students, including him, purportedly offering namaz at an open ground on campus a few days ago, sparking outrage among right-wing groups, said police. On Friday, an FIR was registered against IIMT University authorities, and after an initial probe by the varsity, the student, Khalid Pradhan (pursuing bachelor of physiotherapy) and three security guards were suspended, reports Krishna Chaudhary.
In the video, around 50 students, including Pradhan, could be seen purportedly praying on campus. The incident might have taken place on March 13. SP (rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra said the main accused, Pradhan, was arrested and was being questioned. Additionally, the university authorities were charged under BNS section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings).
Meanwhile, Sunil Sharma, media in-charge of IIMT Group, told TOI: “Once the video surfaced, a committee was constituted to investigate the matter. We learned that no permission was taken from the administration for namaz on campus… It seemed to be a spontaneous act. Main culprit, Pradhan, was called by the investigating panel to present his case, but he did not appear, and hence, was suspended.”