Patna: Tensions flared at Patna University on Saturday after police detained independent presidential candidate Rinkle Yadav during the ongoing Patna University Students’ Union (PUSU) elections, triggering protests and unrest across the campus.
Rinkle Yadav, who is widely regarded as a close associate of Tej Pratap Yadav, son of Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, was taken into custody amid tight security arrangements. Eyewitnesses claimed that police personnel forcibly carried him to a local police station, a move that swiftly angered his supporters.
As news of the detention spread, students gathered in large numbers within the university premises, raising slogans and accusing the police of acting in a partisan manner. Demonstrators demanded Yadav’s immediate release and alleged that the action was intended to influence the electoral process. The protests briefly disrupted academic and administrative activities on campus.
Authorities responded by deploying additional police forces in and around university colleges to prevent further escalation. A senior police official said that maintaining law and order during the election process was the administration’s priority and warned that any attempt to disturb peace would invite strict action. University officials appealed to students to remain calm and participate in the democratic process responsibly.
The campus atmosphere had already been charged due to intense campaigning in the run-up to the polls. A total of 41 candidates are contesting for five central panel positions, while 45 candidates are competing for councillor posts. Eleven candidates are in the fray for the post of president, nine for general secretary, eight for vice-president, six for joint secretary and seven for treasurer.
Voting is scheduled to continue until 2.30pm, with counting set to begin at 4.10pm at Patna Arts College. Security personnel have been stationed across polling venues to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process as students cast their ballots.
