Harvard Club of India disowns alumni statement on Delhi protest crackdown

New Delhi: The Harvard Club of India has clarified that a statement issued by a group of Harvard University alumni on the Delhi protest crackdown was not the organisation's official position.

Around 100 alumni had reportedly issued the statement condemning "police brutality, unlawful detention, and violations of constitutional rights of all peaceful protestors" during the October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. It also expressed solidarity with Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat.

Rajat Sethi, a member of the club's Executive Committee, told news agency ANI that the statement was issued by individuals in their personal capacity. He said the club's charter does not permit it to issue political statements in its own name or on behalf of Harvard University.

In a clarification, the club said it had "neither issued nor endorsed any statement concerning the recent protests in New Delhi or the actions taken by the authorities." It added that the letter "represents the personal views of its signatories alone."