Amid a wave of student protests across Uttar Pradesh, police in Kannauj allege that biscuits were used to coax students into a demonstration. Meanwhile, a activist in Deoria faces FIR charges for posting a video of a dilapidated school campus.

  • Students were allegedly lured with biscuits in Kannauj
  • Police filed an FIR for abetment and unlawful assembly
  • Deoria activist booked for posting a "dilapidated" school video

Background

Student unrest has surged across Uttar Pradesh in recent weeks. On August 20, pupils and parents at a composite school in Gugarapur surrounded the vehicle of principal Rakeshendra Saxena, demanding his removal. Witnesses claim that biscuits and small incentives were handed out to persuade children to join the protest.

The police filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Gurusahaiganj Police Station, charging unidentified persons with abetment, presence of an abettor, and unlawful assembly. Block Education Officer Vishwanath Pathak accused political elements of exploiting the incident to tarnish the image of the education department.

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Chief Minister’s Directive

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a directive on Saturday ordering immediate FIRs against anyone spreading “misleading” videos or false information about schools and colleges. He warned that fabricated footage of crumbling school infrastructure is being used to damage the government’s reputation.

Parallel Case in Deoria

In Deoria, activist and resident Rajat Singh was booked after entering a primary school without permission and posting a video that labeled the campus “dilapidated.” The education department clarified that the building in question had been auctioned and was slated for demolition, with debris being cleared at the time of the video.

Singh faces charges of statements conducing to public mischief, criminal trespass, and house‑trespass, based on a complaint lodged by Block Education Officer Vinay Sheel Mishra.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the politicization of student protests in Uttar Pradesh could set a precedent for how dissent is managed in educational institutions across India, potentially affecting policy making and civil liberties.

"While safeguarding schools from external interference is vital, it must be balanced against the fundamental right to free expression," says Dr. Ajay Mehta, Professor of Social Sciences.
Did You Know?: Uttar Pradesh recorded over 150 student protests in 2023 alone, the highest number in the past five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Were the biscuits truly a lure, or just a pretext?
A: Police investigations suggest the biscuits were a tactic to mobilize students for a pre‑planned protest.

Q: Will the new FIRs restrict outsider access to schools?
A: The state has already issued guidelines requiring prior permission for any external personnel, including YouTubers and social media influencers, to enter school premises.