IIT Madras allegedly asked student body ChintaBAR to delete a pro-protest Instagram video and denied permission for a campus gathering over exam irregularities. Despite this, over 150 students reportedly gathered to show solidarity with protesting students.

New Delhi: IIT Madras allegedly asked a recognised independent student body, ChintaBAR, to delete an Instagram video expressing solidarity with students protesting over examination irregularities and denied permission to organise a peaceful gathering on campus.

According to the Hindustan report, ChintaBAR had sought permission on July 20 to hold a peaceful gathering supporting students affected by alleged paper leaks and exam irregularities, including NEET-UG and UGC-NET. In its email to the administration, the group said repeated cancellations, re-examinations and irregularities had caused severe academic, emotional and financial stress, while assuring the event would remain peaceful and not disrupt academic activities.

Students associated with the group alleged that during a meeting with Dean of Students Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, they were asked to remove an Instagram video posted on July 17 supporting the protests and were denied permission for the gathering. They further claimed IIT Madras cited concerns that they did not want to disturb and disrupt its relations with the centre.

Another student stated that the alleged officials told them they were not allowed to protest because it would “tarnish the image” of the IIT institute.