JNU panel finds Umar, Anirban guilty of creating disharmony

New Delhi

The high-level probe panel of JNU has found two students – Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya- who are in judicial custody in a sedition case, “guilty” of arousing communal, caste or regional feeling or creating disharmony among students.

Both Khalid and Bhattacharya are associated with communist organizations.

In show-cause notices sent to Anirban and Umar through the deputy inspector general (prison), Tihar Jail, the university has found them “guilty” on four accounts.

“Furnishing false certificates or false information in any manner to the university. Arousing communal, caste or regional feeling or creating disharmony among students,” are listed in the show-cause sent to Anirban as the counts on which he has been found “guilty”.

“Causing or colluding in the unauthorised entry of any person into the campus or in the unauthorised occupation of any portion of the University premises, including hall of residences, by any person,” were further listed in the notice sent to Anirban.

Highly-placed sources said same charges have been levied on Umar.

Anirban and Umar are among the 21 students who have been issued show-cause notices after a five-member of the committee found them “guilty” of violating university norms and disciplinary rules.

The probe panel is believed to have recommended rustication of students union president Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar, Anirban and two other students for their alleged role in a controversial event held last month at which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.

Kanhaiya, Umar and Anirban were arrested on charges of sedition in connection with the programme. Kanhaiya was released on bail from Tihar on March 3 while Umar and Anirban are still in judicial custody.

All the students have been given time till tomorrow evening to send their reply to the notices following which a final call will be taken on the issue.

PTI