FIR over scuffle in BHU campus as UGC issue take centre stage

After a postgraduate student at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi submitted a petition alleging physical attack by a group of students amid a counter allegation, with the hostility linked to posting on social media supporting new UGC regulations, Opposition on Thursday (February 5, 2026) targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of deliberately poisoning the environment of campuses and making marginalised communities vulnerable to attacks by feudal elements.

In the matter, Adarsh Kumar, a M.A. History student at the university, alleged that a group of students attacked him in the mess with intention of grievous injury on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).

In the FIR there is no mention of UGC regulation linked hostility, but Mr. Kumar said the matter took an ugly turn over WhatsApp group discussion on the regulations as he shared poster of a protest march in support of the regulations.

“Both sides submitted petition, we have registered complaints, action will be taken after investigation,” said a police official from Lanka police station. The other side also alleged that Mr. Kumar attacked them.

The incident happened on the day hundreds of students carried out a march under the banner of SC/ST/OBC Ekta Manch at the university, demanding immediate implementation of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.

“Across campus, incidents of students from marginalised group being harassed are coming to public domain. A similar incident happened at Allahabad University; the BJP-backed feudal elements are poisoning environment of campuses and are targeting supporters of the UGC regulation. It is unacceptable, the real face of administration and BJP supported feudal elements are in public display with these attacks,” said Anil Yadav, a senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader.