{
  "id": 12452438,
  "title": "Mumbai Police Send Tribal Students Back To Nashik After Protest Over Ashram Schools, Hostel Facilities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/mumbai-police-send-tribal-students-back-to-nashik-after-protest-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T19:16:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/mumbai-police-send-tribal-students-back-to-nashik-after-protest-over-ashram-schools-hostel-facilities"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, Mumbai police relocated a cohort of tribal students from Mumbai following a protest seeking improvements in tribal hostels and ashram schools, along with a probe into reported student fatalities in such facilities. The students, residing at Maharashtra Congress headquarters, Tilak Bhavan in Dadar, were taken via private vehicles and returned to Nashik, as per police sources. Origins In Nashik The students journeyed to Mumbai as part of a prolonged march initiated in Nashik on September 28. Their grievances encompassed inadequate infrastructure in ashram schools and hostels, scholarships, food standards, and alleged student deaths. They also sought the resignation of the Tribal Development Minister and the transfer of the Tribal Development Commissioner. An unapproved assembly at Azad Maidan was planned, but authorities denied permission. The students subsequently sought refuge at Tilak Bhavan from Monday after the Congress provided lodging at their Dadar office. Congress Criticizes Police Allegations The Congress deemed the police's efforts to evict students from the party office during the night as coercive and accused the government of resorting to force to hinder the protesters' demands. Party officials claimed that personnel entered the building and allegedly apprehended students, including those from restroom areas. The party also alleged that a sizable police force was stationed outside Tilak Bhavan for two days, accompanied by various vehicles and high-ranking officers. Police Refute Detentions Conversely, police dismissed claims of formal arrests or custody. They stated that personnel were stationed outside the Congress office to deter students from departing and engaging in an unauthorized protest. Videos circulating on social media depicted police officers guiding students towards automobiles amidst heightened security. Students Highlight Neglect The students have been protesting for weeks over the state of tribal educational institutions. They contended that basic amenities in numerous ashram schools and hostels remained insufficient and that food provided through central kitchens was of subpar quality. A NatConnect study warned that Mumbai's redevelopment boom could strain water, electricity, roads, and fire services. Demand for Inquiry Among their principal demands is an independent inquiry into the deaths of students in ashram schools. Congress leaders cited a claim that approximately 600 students had perished in such institutions over the past two years and demanded a fair investigation. However, the figure was not independently verified in the provided material. Students Alleged Police Action The protesters also accused students of police misconduct while attempting to address their grievances and demanded authorization to hold a peaceful demonstration at Azad Maidan or, alternatively, to meet the Governor and present their memorandum. Despite being expelled from Mumbai, the students have vowed to return on October 25 and reinitiate their protest over their demands pertaining to tribal education, hostels, and student welfare.",
  "summary": "Mumbai Police on Tuesday moved a group of tribal students out of Mumbai after they had staged a protest demanding better facilities in tribal hostels and ashram schools, along with an inquiry into alleged deaths of students in such institutions. The students, who had been staying at the Maharashtra Congress headquarters, Tilak Bhavan in Dadar, were taken away in private buses and sent back…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}