Umar Khalid Documentary sparks violence at Pondicherry University: ABVP workers attacked by SFI, ASA, and NSUI goons, two hospitalised

Pondicherry University Umar Khalid documentary
Violence erupted at Pondicherry University after goons associated with SFI, ASA, and NSUI attacked ABVP workers opposing the screening of Umar Khalid documentary

What began as an objection to the screening of a documentary on UAPA accused Umar Khalid at Pondicherry University descended into violence on September 25, when goons associated with SFI, ASA and NSUI began attacking ABVP workers.

ABVP Pondicherry University has strongly condemned the brutal attack, asserting that its members were manhandled after questioning the screening of Prisoner Number 626710. Two ABVP members, identified as Suresh and Riya, were hospitalised following the clash. Police intervened on the university campus, and an investigation into the incident was initiated.

The episode raises an uncomfortable question for the Pondicherry University administration: how did a documentary centred on Umar Khalid receive permission to be screened on the campus, and what did the administration do when students objected to it?

According to ABVP functionary Surya Saravanan, when ABVP karyakartas questioned the screening, students associated with ASA, SFI and NSUI responded with threats, manhandling, sexually abusive remarks and violence. ABVP has gone further, alleging a nexus between the university administration and the three organisations and demanding an impartial investigation into the entire episode.

The allegations are particularly serious because ABVP says its female karyakartas were subjected to sexually abusive gestures during the confrontation. The organisation has demanded that the university identify those responsible and take strict action following a proper investigation.

Why was Umar Khalid’s documentary being screened inside a university?

This is not the first university campus where the documentary Prisoner Number 626710 has triggered a confrontation.

ABVP has opposed screenings at several institutions, arguing that campuses should not become platforms for narratives that it believes glorify Umar Khalid. The proposed screening at NLSIU Bengaluru was postponed, while controversies have also erupted around screenings at IIIT-H and NALSAR Hyderabad.

At Pondicherry University, however, the controversy went a step further.

ABVP says its workers merely questioned the decision to facilitate the screening and were met with threats and violence. The university now needs to explain the basis for that permission and whether appropriate safeguards were put in place after objections were raised.

A university campus is supposed to be a place where contentious ideas are debated, not a place where those accused of orchestrating riots in the country’s capital are celebrated and those who question it are threatened or assaulted.

ABVP asks the questions the administration cannot ignore

ABVP has specifically questioned why permission was granted for the screening of a film about Umar Khalid and why adequate safeguards were not put in place despite concerns being raised. The organisation has demanded a proper investigation, accountability and strict action against those found responsible.

The questions become even more relevant because ABVP says it had already been protesting against what it describes as administrative mismanagement at Pondicherry University, including concerns over drinking water, hostel facilities, sports and transportation. The organisation says it had previously organised a rally and sit-in outside the administrative block.

Against this backdrop, the violence during the documentary controversy has naturally intensified ABVP’s confrontation with the university administration.

Umar Khalid has become the latest ideological flashpoint on campuses

Umar Khalid remains in custody in the UAPA case concerning the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots. Delhi Police have accused him of playing a role in the alleged conspiracy; those allegations remain before the courts and are not a finding of guilt.

Yet student organisations associated with the Left and Congress ecosystem continue to organise or support screenings centred on him, while ABVP has consistently opposed such programmes.

That ideological disagreement is legitimate political contestation.

Violence is not.

The university administration must act against SFI, ASA or NSUI members involved in violence.

But the first responsibility lies with the university administration: explain who authorised the screening, investigate the violence, preserve the evidence and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Because the real question emerging from Pondicherry University is no longer merely about an Umar Khalid documentary.

It is whether a student organisation can question the ideological politics of another group on campus without being subjected to threats, intimidation and violence.

ABVP has made its position clear: it will continue its protests until there is an investigation and accountability.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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