Nirmal Chaudhary, former president of the Rajasthan University Student Union, was arrested by Jaipur Police inside the university campus on June 21, 2025, while appearing for an exam, in connection with a 2022 case of unlawful assembly and damaging government property.
What Happened to Nirmal Chaudhary?
-
Chaudhary was taken into custody at around 8 AM alongside MLA and Youth Congress leader Abhimanyu Poonia, though Poonia was later released without charges .
-
The charges stem from a 2022 incident involving a protest and alleged vandalism near SN Medical College, linked to the tragic death of resident doctor Rakesh Chaudhary.
-
Police state that Chaudhary obstructed official work, damaged public property, and misbehaved with an SHO during the protest—leading to an FIR at Gandhi Nagar police station in 2022.
Reactions & Political Uproar
-
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot described the arrest as “undemocratic”, particularly criticizing the timing—during an exam—and demanded immediate release of both Chaudhary and Poonia.
-
Prominent Congress leaders—including Sachin Pilot, Govind Singh Dotasra, and Hanuman Beniwal—blamed the state BJP government for suppressing student voices and misusing police force.
-
Rallies and protests erupted on campus and in Jaipur demanding his release and pointing to the disruption caused to students who were taking exams.
Official Standpoint
-
Delhi Police’s DCP East, Tejaswani Gautam, clarified that only Nirmal Chaudhary was arrested based on the 2022 case report, while Poonia was merely present and not detained.
-
Gautam stated the arrest followed standard procedure and rebutted claims that the arrest was deliberately timed to disrupt the exam .
Background to the 2022 Case
-
The alleged crime dates back to August 22, 2022, during nomination day of the student union elections at Rajasthan University.
-
Police accused Chaudhary and his supporters of blocking roads, damaging a police jeep, tearing an SHO’s uniform, and injuring a DSP, prompting a lathi charge to control the crowd.
Why It Matters
-
Arresting a student leader inside an exam center has raised serious concerns about academic autonomy and the excessive use of force.
-
The incident spotlights the growing tension between political activism and law enforcement, especially within educational institutions.
-
It has reignited debates on the Right to protest, police timing, and the politicization of campus spaces.
What’s Next?
-
Nirmal Chaudhary is currently in custody at Gandhi Nagar police station. Legal proceedings are underway.
-
Political figures continue to mobilize for his release, with pressure mounting on the state government.
-
Student groups at Rajasthan University have planned demonstrations demanding greater autonomy and protection from political harassment.
Bottom Line on Nirmal Chaudhary
The arrest of Nirmal Chaudhary—amid exams and over charges from a prior protest—has ignited fierce backlash from political leaders and student activists. The ongoing debate raises pressing questions about democratic rights, campus safety, and timeliness of law enforcement.
Stay tuned for updates as legal proceedings evolve and the political dynamics shift.
