Patna: A journalist and a student were brutally attacked on Wednesday at Magadh Mahila College amid ongoing campaigning for the Patna University Students’ Union elections. The incident has raised concerns over escalating violence on campus ahead of the March 29 polls.
Journalist Krishna Nandan, who was covering the election campaign, was assaulted by a group of students wielding sticks. His hand was reportedly broken in the attack. Ehtesham, a student campaigning for independent candidate Saloni Raj, was also targeted, suffering a severe head injury. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The attack follows an earlier incident on Tuesday, when students from the same group clashed outside Patna Women’s College, with reports of gunfire during the altercation.
Saloni Raj, who is contesting for the position of General Secretary, condemned the attack, stating: “The opposition, scared of defeat, has attacked me and my colleagues. They cannot tolerate that a single girl, without the backing of any party, is contesting the election. The students of Patna University will respond to this hooliganism through their votes.”
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has also reacted strongly. Its national president alleged that “BJP-backed goons have turned Patna University into a battleground. Journalists are being attacked today, and tomorrow it will be the students. This is an attempt to spread fear among voters.”
With election day approaching, political groups have intensified their campaigns across Patna University, with Magadh Mahila College and Patna Women’s College emerging as key battlegrounds. Authorities are yet to comment on the rising tensions on campus.
