Opposition MPs Demand Answers Over Campus Police Action

During the Monsoon session of Parliament on Tuesday, opposition parties converged on the issue of alleged police aggression against students. The debate centered on reports of baton strikes, the deployment of pellet guns, and concerns surrounding competitive examinations. MP Pappu Yadav from Purnia entered the House with a headband reading "justice" to symbolise his protest, while leaders from the Congress and other parties demanded a thorough discussion in the legislature.

Yadav condemned what he described as excessive force, saying demonstrators were being beaten with sticks, an approach he deemed incompatible with democratic norms. He likened the situation to previous instances where security forces were used in sensitive regions, suggesting a similar escalation is now unfolding elsewhere. Yadav also referenced the Minister of State, questioning the propriety of bestowing a symbolic turban on individuals facing corruption allegations.

Congress MP Manish Tiwari highlighted a viral video dated July 20 that appeared to show a security guard sprinting toward students with a rifle. He reminded members that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful, non‑violent assembly, and warned that any attempt to suppress such protests with force must be condemned in Parliament.

The session also touched on the proposed amendment to the Public Examination (Prevention of Malpractices) Bill, with Congress MP Sashi Tharoor urging the government to explain how the legislation would enhance transparency and credibility in the examination system, beyond merely setting up fast‑track courts.