Student leaders of National Students Union of India (NSUI) attacked and seriously injured the vice-chancellor of Gujarat Technological University (GTU), Dr Akshai Aggarwal on Wednesday - all in the name of ‘students interest’.
Some 40 to 50 members of the NSUI barged into the vice-chancellor’s office after breaking the glass door. The leaders, who were demanding immediate solution to the problems faced by diploma students of GTU, then went on to set the worst kind of example in resolving issues. They attacked the vice-chancellor with whatever they could lay their hands on including a telephone - all because he asked them to behave properly. In this ruckus, the V-C was seriously injured and even fractured his toe. After injuring the V-C, the mob vanished from the scene, forgetting all about the students’ interest that they had come to protect. An injured Dr. Aggarwal was immediately rushed to SAL Hospital.
When the attack took place, Dr Aggarwal was in a meeting with other GTU officials, including Dr GP Vadodaria, in-charge registrar of the varsity. According to Dr Vadodaria, the attackers behaved like hooligans, rather than student leaders.
Condemning the act, Dr Vadodaria said, “If they were so concerned about the interests of students, why did they not bother to discuss anything with him?”
“Even when they barged in and began creating a ruckus, Dr Aggarwal kept his cool and told them that this was not the way to put forth their problems. However, the so-called leaders then proceeded to attack him saying that this was ‘their way of dialogue’,” added Vadodaria.
After attacking and injuring the V-C, NSUI justified the attack by issuing a press note, saying that the V-C had been neglecting issues affecting the students. Downplaying the violent attack on the V-C, NSUI members claimed that it was just an ‘aggressive protest’ in the interest of students of GTU. Surprisingly, a former NSUI leader claimed that Dr Aggarwal got injured because he slipped on the floor and not because of the attack by the members.
Dr Aggarwal has been advised two weeks rest. Commenting on the incident, Dr Aggarwal said, “My doors are always open for all students so there is no need to attack the office or any individual. It will not solve any of the problems.”
The gruesome act in the name of ‘student interest’ was also criticised by many existing members of NSUI. Seeking anonymity, one of the members lambasted such acts by their own members. However, he refused to go on record as he feared that he might be served a notice by NSUI office bearers for speaking the truth against some NSUI hooligan members.
