Bihar: Prof set on fire after comments on former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

After BJP supporters attacked social activist Swami Agnivesh when he went to the BJP headquarters to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an attempt was made to burn an Assistant Professor at Motihari Central University alive for reportedly making critical comments on the late PM. At the time of writing, Sanjay Kumar's condition remains critical and he is being taken from Motihari to AIIMS, Patna. So far, the police has not filed an FIR in the case.

This latest instance of mob lynching took place on Friday, August 17 morning. Assistant Professor Sanjay Kumar at the Department of Social Sciences at Motihari Central University, commenting on the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a Facebook post, had said it was the end of a fascist era. He then started getting abusive and threatening comments.

Kumar’s colleague Mritunjaya told National Herald that he too received a threatening message on her phone. Mrityunjaya said that about 11-12 people came to Kumar’s house on Friday morning, and beat up Kumar while dragging him out of the house. They tore off his clothes and after that, tried to burn him with petrol. Mrityunjay, who is also an eyewitness to the whole incident, said that somehow they were able to get Sanjay Kumar out and take him to the hospital. From Motihari, Sanjay was referred to AIIMS in Patna. When this correspondent spoke with him, he was en route to Patna.

The Motihari Central University Teachers Association has issued a strong statement condemning the incident. The Association’s statement says the beating and setting on fire was a pre-planned conspiracy and pointing an accusing finger at the Vice Chancellor of the University. Importantly since May 29, teachers have been protesting against the Vice Chancellor, alleging that he has been violating rules and harassing teachers. A written complaint has been given to the police on behalf of the badly injured Sanjay Kumar, in which Rahul R Pandey, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Aman Bihari Vajpayee and many others have been named. Threats received on WhatsApp have also been turned over to the police.