Azim Premji University files police complaint against reading circle members, student council opposes ‘asymmetry in outcomes’ after vandalism

Hours after ABVP activists allegedly trespassed into Azim Premji University (APU), assaulted guards, vandalised property and created a ruckus to protest against a discussion being held on the campus, the Registrar of the varsity filed a complaint with the police against Spark Reading Circle, a social media page, and sought action.

According to a complaint lodged at the police station at 11.30 p.m. on February 24, the chain of events began around 4.30 p.m. when certain members of the media shared a social media post that was being circulated online.

The post, uploaded on an Instagram handle titled ‘Spark Reading Circle, APU’, referred to the alleged Kunan-Poshpora mass rape incident of 1991 in Kashmir, and invited people to attend a discussion on ‘violence by the Indian State in Kashmir’ at 6 p.m. at a venue inside the university campus.

University authorities stated that the venue is an internal campus space used for cultural activities. They clarified that no permission had been sought or granted for any such event. As per university protocol, prior written approval is mandatory for organising programmes on campus.

Around 6 p.m., nearly 20 members of an organisation allegedly gathered at the main gate of the university. They raised slogans and forcibly entered the campus. The complainant said that the group assaulted security personnel and a student, damaged college boards, and shouted slogans against Spark Reading Circle and student’s organisation AISA.

The group reportedly proceeded nearly 400 metres inside the campus from the main gate and scribbled messages targeting the organisations before police arrived and detained them.

A separate complaint has already been registered regarding the trespass and vandalism.

University authorities further clarified that the Instagram page ‘Spark Reading Circle, APU’ has no official connection with the institution. They alleged that unknown individuals had created the account, and misused the university’s name to circulate content that could incite enmity between groups.

The complaint stated that the social media handle had previously posted content allegedly defaming the university and harming its reputation.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to identify the persons behind the Instagram account.

The Sarjapura police, based on the complaint, registered an FIR against the creator of the social media page.

They have charged them under Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or beliefs) of BNS, 66e (violation of privacy by intentionally capturing, publishing, or transmitting images of a person’s private areas without their consent), and 67 ( publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of IT Act for further investigation.

The police have initiated an investigation to identify the person or persons who created the page .

On February 26, the Student Council of Azim Premji University expressed concern over the FIR filed by the university against members of the ‘Spark Reading Circle’, stating that the matter should have been addressed through internal disciplinary mechanisms rather than criminal proceedings.

In a statement issued on February 26, the council acknowledged that organising an event in the campus without prior administrative approval may amount to a violation of protocol. However, it maintained that such procedural lapses should be handled by internal bodies, such as the Disciplinary Committee, instead of invoking criminal law.

The council also flagged what it described as an ‘asymmetry in outcomes’ following recent campus events. According to the statement, individuals who allegedly entered the campus without permission, caused physical harm to members of the university community, and damaged property were granted bail and are facing bailable charges.

In contrast, the students who organised what the council termed a ‘peaceful gathering’ are reportedly facing a non-bailable offence under Section 299.

“The university’s education actively encourages critical engagement with history, politics, and social justice. Students are taught to ask hard questions, and the campus has long been considered a safe space for open discussions,” according to the statement, adding that responding to such engagement with a criminal FIR undermines the institution’s commitment to intellectual freedom.

The Student Council urged the administration to reconsider its decision to pursue criminal action, and instead resolve the issue through internal and restorative processes. It stated that the council remains committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of students.

Published – February 26, 2026 12:20 pm IST