What transpired today in the Hingna constituency is a disturbing reflection on our democracy. Registered, bona fide students from across the country, residing in the numerous hostels on the expansive Meghe Campus—home to around eight educational institutions covering 85 acres—were subjected to stalking and intimidation, creating an atmosphere of fear aimed at preventing them from exercising their right to vote.
This alarming situation prompted a personal intervention from the Commissioner of Police, as well as assurances of secure voting from the Deputy Commissioner of Police to the college authorities. However, the college officials felt a grave responsibility for the safety of the students, who had been threatened with violence, including potential murder, by antisocial elements if they ventured outside their hostels. The breakdown of law and order witnessed today was unprecedented in India, echoing incidents from elsewhere in the country, highlighting the urgent need for police protection for the students under their care.
Dr. Ujwal Gajbe, Dean of Datta Meghe Medical College, condemned the actions of these goons, emphasizing that the legitimate right to vote of these young individuals was unjustly stripped away through intimidation. She reassured that the bona fide certificates for all hostel residents are readily available for verification.
Additionally, the Vice Dean of Datta Meghe Medical College has lodged a complaint at the MIDC police station against the individuals who obstructed and harassed students attempting to exercise their fundamental voting rights, explicitly naming the leaders of the group responsible for this intimidation.
The area surrounding Wanadongri was tense throughout the day due to the free movement of these antisocial elements, who instilled fear among those they suspected might vote for the incumbent MLA. The community in Nagpur has voiced deep concern over the boldness of these goons, whose threats escalated to life-threatening levels for potential voters of the ruling party.
Parents of students residing in the hostels have expressed their anxiety regarding such violent behavior during the elections, fearing for their children’s safety. In the interest of safeguarding the lives of the students, the college authorities have decided to close the hostel gates, as goons had taken up positions outside to monitor who attempts to go out to vote.
Till filing of this report, antisocial elements against present MLA are stationed outside Shivneri Hostel to prevent students from coming out to vote. Police force also present to check any untoward incident.
It is also learnt that Lathi charge was done by Police against supporters of Rashtravadi Congress ( Sharad Pawar) candidate for obstructing people from casting votes.