AMU student held for April 23 varsity clash, deaths

Aligarh: Police have arrested an Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) student in connection with the recent violence and arson in the university campus, which resulted in the death of two youths and extensive destruction of offices and vehicles.

Mohd Zoraiz, from Amroha and a researcher in law at AMU, was arrested on Thursday from Sir Syed Nagar in the city on charges of murder, arson, loot and dacoity in connection with the events of April 23.

An altercation between two groups had led to the death of expelled AMU student Mehtab Khan and a youth named Mohd Waqif. This was followed by the torching of the proctor’s office, guest house, of the dean of students’ welfare and other areas. The students, outsiders and illegal residents had allegedly torched three cars of guests living at the university guest house and half-a-dozen bikes.

“Zoraiz was arrested by the police today. With the help of videographic evidence we have identified 30 people involved in the arson and riot. The hunt for others is on,” said Civil Lines station officer Suryakant Dwivedi.

Aligarh senior superintendent of police (SSP) J Ravinder Goud had formed an investigation cell after 11 cases were filed in the matter. The team was divided into two groups, one for investigations and the other for arrests, each led by a nodal officer, SP (crime) Pramod Tiwari and SP (city) Anshul Gupta. The teams are supervised by circle officer III Rajeev Kumar.

“Zoraiz is a student here and had been suspended earlier for being involved in group clashes,” said AMU proctor Mohsin Khan. City SP Anshul Gupta said investigations are on to track and arrest the other accused.