TISS Student Abhirup Paul Gets One More Day In Police Custody Over Alleged Unauthorised Campus Event

Mumbai: A TISS student, Abhirup Ashim Paul, 32, has been granted an additional day in police custody over allegations of an unauthorized event on the Tata Institute of Social Sciences campus in October 2025. The Mumbai Crime Branch requested an extension to investigate potentially damaging material discovered on Paul's electronic devices, retrieve erased digital data, and examine his field visits and ties with the Progressive Students Forum and others.

Paul was apprehended by Crime Branch Unit 6 on Saturday following a rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by a sessions court. The case revolves around a memorial gathering for former Delhi University professor G.N. Saibaba held at TISS in October 2024. Police claim students entered the campus without authorization, displayed Saibaba's photograph, paid tribute to him, and organized a candle-lighting ceremony. Alleged slogans included "Release Umar Khalid" and "Release Sharjeel Imam."

The Mumbai Police have also sent notices to two TISS professors seeking information about messages sent to Paul, who was arrested over the incident. The initial case was registered at Trombay police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Maharashtra Police Act, subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch.

During a hearing before the 37th Metropolitan Magistrate, investigating officer Police Inspector Sushant Sawant stated that Maoist-related literature was downloaded on Paul's electronic devices. Police also alleged Paul had undertaken field visits to various locations, with some messages subsequently deleted. The investigation is ongoing.