Kanhaiya alleges attack on flight, police deny claim

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union president Kanhaiya Kumar was allegedly attacked on a Jet Airways plane by a co-passenger on Sunday. Mr. Kumar and his friends were flying to Pune to address a rally organised by the Progressive Students Youth Action Committee, when Manas Deka, an employee of Tata Consultancy Services, tried to strangulate him. Mr Kumar also alleged that Mr. Deka was a BJP supporter.

However, the police said it was a scuffle between two groups. “Prima facie, the fight was over seating arrangements. There are complaints from both sides and we are registering them,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Deven Bharti told reporters.

Mr. Kumar, his friends and Mr. Deka were offloaded by the airlines staff. Mr Kumar later reached Pune by road. At his rally, Mr. Kumar criticised the authorities for denying the attack.