Indore, February 12 Right-wing activists entered a private university in Indore on Thursday and allegedly vandalized property after claiming that an obscene program related to Valentine's Day was being organized on the campus.
The university, however, denied the allegations and asserted that an "unauthorized group" damaged infrastructure and disrupted a student-led event aimed at developing professional skills.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shrikrishna Lalchandani told reporters, "We have prima facie information that a program related to Valentine's Day was underway at the NMIMS University campus in the Gandhi Nagar police station area. Activists from Hindu organizations entered the campus and got the program stopped."
He said that a commotion broke out after the activists arrived, and some chairs and tables placed on the campus were damaged. He added that the police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
"An investigation is underway based on video footage. We are talking to both sides, and appropriate legal action will be taken," the DCP said.
Tannu Sharma, the local convener of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's Samrasta Department, alleged that obscenity was being promoted among students in the name of a Valentine's Day event on the campus.
He said that Bajrang Dal activists had gone to the private university to protest the event, but denied that they had indulged in vandalism.
A spokesperson for NMIMS' local campus said, "Between 12:30 pm and 3 pm today, an unauthorized group of individuals entered our campus and disrupted a student-led 'Bake & Sell' event. This activity was part of our co-curricular program, designed to help students develop essential negotiation and commercial skills through practical experience. The group caused damage to campus infrastructure."
"We can confirm that through the immediate activation of our security protocols and the swift intervention of the local police, no students or staff members were harmed. The situation was de-escalated professionally, and the individuals were dispersed," the spokesperson added.
NMIMS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward disruptions to its academic environment and is working with the authorities to ensure that the campus remains a safe space for learning, the spokesperson said.