BKU protests in Doon over killing of UP student; demands arrests

Dehradun: Ten days after a 22-year-old BTech student at a private university in Dehradun was allegedly murdered by a group of fellow students, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait led a protest at the Asharodi checkpoint, demanding the arrest of all those involved in the case.

Divyanshu Jatrana, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of students over an old rivalry on the intervening night of March 23 and 24 in the city’s Premnagar area. The incident occurred when Jatrana was heading to a local dhaba with his friends. A video of the assault was widely circulated, following which police registered an FIR against 15 accused on charges of murder and arrested three of them.

Tikait expressed concern over the incident, saying Dehradun has long been regarded as an education hub.

“Students from other states have been coming here to pursue education, considering it a peaceful city. But increasing attacks on students by criminal elements are shattering that image. We demand strict action against those involved in the heinous murder of Jatrana, who had come here for higher education,” said Tikait.

He also accused Dehradun police of “conniving with drug traffickers in the state.”

“Drug trafficking near educational institutions cannot happen without the knowledge of the police. The police should identify those involved in this crime and take action against the perpetrators,” said Tikait.

Police had installed barricades at the Asharodi checkpoint to stop Tikait and his supporters. SSP Pramendra Dobal said, “The police have already arrested three accused in the case and are making all-out efforts to nab the others involved. We will not allow law and order to be disturbed in the city.”