By Mumtaz Alam, India Tomorrow,
Lucknow/New Delhi, 15 Jan 2014: Following the uproar over extra frisking of a Muslim student at the entrance of the annual convocation venue on 09 Jan, Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University Dr. S. B. Nimse is said to have personally regretted the incident today when the victim student met him.
Zahid Akhtar, a BA second year student of the university was body-frisked thrice by varsity officials for allegedly sporting a long beard when he was entering the convocation venue. Next day (10 Jan) his room was searched following which he wrote a complaint and submitted to the VC office. VC could not meet him that day as he was going out and asked him to meet him today (15 Jan).
“I met the VC today at his chamber around 1 pm. He said he is deeply regretted what happened with me. It will never occur again. If you face any problem meet me directly,” Zahid Akhtar told India Tomorrow over phone.
Students group Students’ Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) had protested the frisking and shot a letter to National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Minorities. A section of the mainstream media including Times of India highlighted the bad treatment with the student. Renowned social activist Sandeep Panday had also condemned the extra frisking of the student as he sported a long beard.
Recalling the 09 Jan incident, Akhtar said: “I was in the queue of students who were allowed one by one after normal checking by the police. When my turn came I was taken out of the queue and body-frisked thrice by some officials of the varsity including my hostel warden. When I protested they scolded me. Misbehaviour did not end there. Next day some varsity officials came up to my hostel room and searched it thoroughly as if I am a terror suspect. They opened my almirah and searched it also,” Akhtar told India Tomorrow.
On today’s meeting with the VC, he said he is satisfied with the expressions and assurance of the VC. “I am satisfied as the VC himself regretted and apologized. The issue is closed now”.
VC himself was not available for comment.
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