Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): The Republic Day celebration at Jiwaji University took a dramatic turn after NSUI (National Students' Union of India) members protested against the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Avinash Tiwari, on Friday. 

The protest stemmed from an FIR lodged against Tiwari, accusing him of granting affiliation to a non-existent college in Morena's Jhundpura.

On the eve of Republic Day, NSUI's Jiwaji Campus President Paras Yadav had announced their plans to oppose Tiwari's participation in the flag-hoisting ceremony. 

Early on January 26, as the event started, Yadav and his supporters arrived at the venue and began protesting. Despite police efforts to defuse the situation, Yadav forcibly entered the premises, leading to his detention along with his supporters.

Protestors under custody

The protest intensified when Tiwari was invited to hoist the national flag. NSUI leaders argued that allowing an individual facing serious charges under sections including 420 (fraud) to hoist the flag would insult the national symbol. However, the flag-hoisting ceremony was carried out peacefully after the protesters were taken into custody.

Tiwari gave affiliation to non-existing college 

The FIR against Professor Avinash Tiwari involves allegations of negligence in granting affiliation to Jhundpura College, which reportedly does not exist. NSUI members have been actively campaigning against Tiwari, demanding his resignation and emphasizing that he should not be given the honor of hoisting the national flag while under investigation.

The detained students were taken to the University Police Station. Speaking to the media, Paras Yadav stated, "We protested because someone accused of a criminal offense should not hoist the national flag. This act undermines the dignity of our Republic Day celebrations."