SFI Protest in Delhi Over Murder of Student Ziya Guleria Met with Police Action

New Delhi: A protest march organized by SFI in the national capital against the killing of Ziya Guleria was disrupted by police action, with several demonstrators detained.

The protest was held outside Himachal Bhavan, where students had gathered to demand justice for Ziya and to call for stronger safety measures for women on campuses across the country. According to SFI, the demonstration was peaceful, but Delhi Police intervened without provocation, using force and detaining participants.

Among those taken into custody were SFI All India President Adarsh M Saji, Vice President Subhash Jakkar, and Delhi state president Suraj Elamon, along with around 40 activists.

SFI alleged that police personnel behaved harshly, including toward female protesters, and described the action as an attempt to suppress student movements seeking justice. The organization stated that protests would continue until justice is delivered and called for nationwide demonstrations against both the killing and the alleged police excesses.

Ziya Guleria, a first-year BBA student, was murdered in Gopalpur town of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. She was reportedly attacked by assailants on a motorcycle while walking to a bus stop, who slit her throat with a knife. One of the accused, a 36-year-old man, was caught by locals and handed over to the police, while another suspect remains absconding.

Reports suggest the attackers may have been under the influence of narcotics at the time of the crime.

The incident has sparked political reactions, with criticism directed at both the state government in Himachal Pradesh and the central government over issues of women’s safety and law enforcement.