The Delhi Police on Thursday escorted Jawaharlal Nehru (JNU) University Students’ Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was released from Tihar Jail, till his hostel on the campus. Kanhaiya stepped out of the jail around 6.15 pm. He reached the JNU campus around 7:45 pm triggering celebrations on the campus.
Kanhaiya was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court Wednesday on condition that he will cooperate in the ongoing investigation would not indulge in anti-national sloganeering.
Kanhaiya was accompanied by his family members who were already present at Hari Nagar police station in two cars.
To avoid media glare and trouble mongers’ interference on his release, Kumar was taken out from staff colony in a police van amid heavy security as the JNUSU president faced “credible” threats to his life. Before release, Kumar underwent medical test inside the jail after which he was taken to Hari Nagar police station. Kumar was shifted to his relatives’ car parked at police station from where they taken to the JNU. A team of Special Cell escorted him till the JNU.
“We took cognisance of each and every security aspect to not let any violent event take place and Kanhaiya was taken out safely,” said a police officer.
Earlier in the day, police mounted heavy security outside the Jawaharlal Nehru University gates where a group was spotted protesting against Kumar.
Apprehending “clashes” following Kumar’s release, police issued an ‘advisory’ to all district, traffic and PCR units asking them to maintain a strict vigil, especially in and around the JNU and Delhi University campuses.
“The advisory says that in case Kumar gets bail, there is a possibility that he may visit places like Jantar Mantar, JNU and DU with a large number of his supporters, including students’ groups like AISF and AISA and members of some political parties,” a police source said.
“It says that ABVP and other right wing groups, including some political leaders, may oppose such gatherings and there is a possibility of clashes among the groups.
“In view of the sensitivity and gravity of the matter, a sharp vigil by local police is recommended to avoid any untoward incident,” he said.
The vehicle carrying Kanhaiya entered the campus from western section of JNU campus, Paschimabad, housing the JNU staffers. Soon after he reached the campus, the lights of entire JNU campus were switched off and gates were closed to ban entry of outsiders.
Students and teachers eagerly awaiting to catch a glimpse of Kanhaiya had gathered at the Ganga Dhaba from where they will take out a victory march to the Administration Block which has become a venue of protest since his arrest on February 12.
People also queued up outside Kumar’s hostel Brahmaputra with ‘dhols’ and ‘daflis’ to accompany him during the march.
Meanwhile, two separate meetings of the students union and JNU teachers association were underway to decide the future course of action. Kanhaiya is expected to address the gathering after the march.
Kumar was arrested on February 12 in connection with anti-national sloganeering on the JNU campus. Kumar, Umar Khalid and four other students were charged with sedition over an event at JNU on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.