Students Union Election in Meerut turns violent with gunshots and slogans

The Students Union election of a college in Meerut took a violent turn as rival groups clashed, raised provocative slogans and opened fire to the consternation of the city administration.

Supporters of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) or All India Students Union backed by the BJP and Samajwadi Party (SP) opened fired during the students union election of a college in Meerut.

Supporters of both the parties stood and raised provocative slogans against each other, as a result of which there was tension in the air.

Student leader of ABVP, Gaurav, alleged that members of the Samajwadi Party had full support from the local police as well as the administration.

"They (SP) started firing and wanted to fight unnecessarily. They know that they don't stand anywhere in the elections and will lose for sure, that is why they want to start a fight. There is a lot of pressure from the administration. The police as well as the administration are both working as if they belong to the Samajwadi Party (regional) and hitting our people with batons and defending them," he said.

The college administration did not take action until the firing started.

Meanwhile, student leader of Samajwadi Party, Atul, said that the ABVP was only interested in a confrontation.

"We were standing by ourselves and shouting slogans in support of our party and candidate. They (ABVP) tried to hit one of the members of our party and the situation changed. Police handled the situation and separated everyone," he said.

Police sources admitted to the firing but said the matter was under investigation.

"The supporters of the contestants were shouting outside and were about to get into a fight. The police force was called which separated the two parties. Voting is going on inside with all the facilities, there is no disorder here," said Superintendent of Police, Om Kapoor.