Tensions boiled over in Lucknow today as an angry crowd vandalized the Vice-Chancellor’s office, singling out UP State Women’s Commission Vice-President Aparna Yadav. The dramatic confrontation, captured in viral videos, saw demonstrators breaking glass panes, scattering documents, and chanting anti-establishment slogans inside the heavily secured building.
Background to the fury traces back to recent complaints of harassment faced by female students, which prompted Yadav’s visit. Known for her outspoken stance on gender justice, the BJP leader’s presence apparently ignited pent-up frustrations among the protesters, who accused her of political interference in university affairs.
As the mob pushed forward, security personnel struggled to hold the line. Yadav, undeterred initially, attempted to address the group but was forced to retreat amid flying objects and threats. Reinforcements from local police arrived within minutes, baton-charging the crowd and restoring order after a tense 45-minute standoff.
In the aftermath, Yadav accused ‘anti-social elements’ of orchestrating the violence to derail women’s empowerment initiatives. University officials expressed regret, vowing enhanced security protocols. This episode underscores the volatile mix of politics, gender rights, and academia in Uttar Pradesh, where symbolic figures like Yadav often become lightning rods.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage for culprits, with FIRs filed for rioting and property damage. Student unions have denied involvement, calling for dialogue instead of confrontation. As Lucknow reels from the shock, the incident reignites debates on how commissions should engage with volatile campuses without escalating conflicts.