Indian-origin student arrested and barred from Princeton University for participating in anti-Israel protests

Indian-origin student in US has been arrested and barred from varsity for taking part in anti-Israel protests on campus

Published on: Apr 26, 2024, 11:32:59 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

As part of ongoing campus upheaval in US, an Indian origin student named Achinthya Sivalingan has been arrested along with one another and barred from campus. The protests came amidst pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Indian-origin student, Achinthya Sivalingan, in US has been arrested and barred from varsity for taking part in anti-Israel protests on campus

Achinthya Sivalingan, hailing from Coimbatore and raised in Columbus, is facing disciplinary action and campus ban, disclosed a university spokesperson.

The protest unfolded with a student-led pro-Palestine encampment at McCosh Courtyard early Thursday morning, swiftly escalating as Princeton officials issued warnings. "After the initial arrests, students folded them away," detailed the Daily Princetonian.

Students face arrest and are being barred from campus if they refuse to stop, according to a campus-wide message from Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun on Wednesday morning.

Also Read: USC scraps ‘main stage’ graduation commencement ceremony

According to reports, the sit-in, initially comprising about 100 undergraduate and graduate students, swelled in solidarity with nationwide pro-Palestinian movements. The demonstrators advocate for college divestment from entities involved in the Gaza conflict.

Princeton's response was prompt, with Public Safety officers swiftly arresting Achinthya Sivalingan GS and Hassan Sayed GS within minutes of tent setup, confirming University spokesperson Jennifer Morrill.

"No force was used by Public Safety officers...arrests occurred without resistance," Morrill asserted, emphasizing the university's protocol outlined by Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun.

Also Read: Indian-origin man shot dead by US police in San Antonio

Reflecting on the arrests, Urvi, a first-year PhD student, described the scene as "violent," to PTI, underscoring the urgency imposed on the evicted students.

“They’ve been evicted from their houses and were given under five minutes to get their stuff,” Urvi said.

The incident has ignited discourse, with some voicing concerns over the escalation of protests into acts of antisemitism, instilling fear among Jewish students on campus. Amidst these tensions, Princeton grapples with balancing free expression and ensuring campus safety.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.