bhopal

Updated: Jul 19, 2016 16:56 IST

A research scholar of Barakatullah University in Bhopal was allegedly attacked by unidentified persons on Monday after he told them he hailed from Kashmir’s Pampore.

Vice chancellor M D Tiwari, however, dismissed the allegations as a lie as Kashmiri students of the varsity staged a protest demanding action.

Umar Rashid, pursuing PhD in sociology department, said a group of persons had asked him about his native place. When he told them that he was from Kashmir, they beat him up. They also threatened him to leave Bhopal by evening.

“When they started beating me I held my ears in front of them seeking forgiveness just to save myself, but they didn’t pay any heed and thrashed me brutally in front of security guards,” Rashid told HT.

“I don’t know who they were, but I am sure they were students of the university. One of them asked me if I was aware of what was happening in Kashmir. He also said we were responsible for the poor condition of Kashmir,” he said.

Another student Shahbez Ali, who was present with Rashid, said, “Rashid was talking to someone on the phone. They called me first and asked about my native. Later, they called Rashid and after knowing that he is from Kashmir, they beat him up. I managed to save him.”

Ali said he took Rashid to a hospital after he became unconscious. After first aid and some medicines, Rashid was discharged. Later, Kashmiri students staged a demonstration in front of the vice chancellor’s office for five hours.

Another student from Kashmir, Irfan Rashid said they wanted security. “We came to Bhopal as we felt safe here, but this incident has us worried. What was shocking was the reaction of BU administration. They did not pay any attention to this incident,” he said.

When police reached the campus, students asked the BU administration to lodge the FIR as Rashid said he would not be able to pursue the case from Kashmir later.

“The incident happened under the jurisdiction of the university administration, so they should lodge complaint with police. I am ready to register my statement,” he said.