LUCKNOW: Students of
Lucknow University who attacked teachers had come with the intention to take revenge for previous expulsions, said teachers who were attacked on Wednesday.
Recounting the horrifying moments of the morning, they said that the assailants had specifically targeted proctorial board officials.
“The violent mob first pushed me. When I shouted at them to behave themselves, they attacked me,” said additional proctor Gurnam Singh.
According to the teachers, the students were pointing at proctorial board members and LU officials with intentions to “level scores” for previous instances of disciplinary action taken against them.
Proctorial board member Prof Arun Kumar, whose right eye was injured, said, “We were trying to talk to them but the mob was more interested in creating a ruckus. My right eye was hit with a stone and is severely injured. They were blindly pelting stones without even considering that women professors, including chief provost
Sunita Rani, were also present at the spot. She was also hit,” said Prof Kumar.
Prof Rajkumar Singh, who had come to guard the vice-chancellor, was severely injured with both hands bruised.
“They targeted us and tried to harm us as much as they could. All professors were pushed and hit with stones. They pushed me as well and I got hurt in my right hand,” said the former registrar.
As the situation escalated, a group of 20 more rowdy elements pelted stones, attacked professors and vandalised university property, including the proctor’s and vice-chancellor’s cars.
“LU had informed SP trans-Gomti Harendra Kumar and CO Mahanagar
Anurag Singh at 9.55am that rowdy elements are trying to disrupt counselling. They were informed again when Lala blocked my way but no action was taken,” said the VC.
He also said that the attackers were affiliated to Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha (SCS). “The trouble-makers themselves told teachers that they are from SCS,” he said.
Protesters at Lucknow University being detained by police.