Controversy Erupts Over Valentine’s Week Event at NMIMS Indore; Hindutva Groups Protest, Police Halt Programme.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Indore | Feb 13, 2026:: A controversy broke out on Thursday at the Indore campus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) after members of Hindu organizations staged a protest against a student-organised event, alleging obscenity under the guise of Valentine’s Day celebrations. The protest led to police intervention and the temporary suspension of the programme.

Protest Over Alleged “Bake & Sell” Event

According to local sources, activists affiliated with Bajrang Dal arrived at the NMIMS campus located in the Gandhi Nagar area of Indore after receiving information about an event referred to by them as “Bake & Sell.” The event, reportedly held on February 12, was alleged by the protesters to be inappropriate and “against Indian culture.”

Tannu Sharma, identified as a Bajrang Dal functionary, claimed that a large number of Hindu girls and young men from other communities were participating in the event and alleged that obscenity was being promoted in the name of Valentine’s Day. Several activists were seen carrying plastic batons and sticks while raising slogans and demanding that the programme be stopped.

The protesters insisted that the event be immediately cancelled, stating that such activities were inconsistent with cultural values.

Police Intervention and Allegations of Vandalism

Upon receiving information about the gathering and the escalating situation, police personnel from Gandhi Nagar police station and another local police station reached the campus. Law enforcement officials halted the event and worked to de-escalate tensions between the protesters and the college administration.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Krishnalal Chandani stated that members of certain Hindu organizations entered the campus premises, where sloganeering and incidents of vandalism were reported. Police escorted students safely out of the venue and counseled the protesting activists.

The DCP further noted that neither the police nor the district administration had been informed in advance about the event. He said that a notice would be issued and an inquiry initiated into the matter. CCTV footage from the campus is being examined to identify individuals involved in vandalism, and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible.

University’s Clarification: “Bake and Sell” Co-Curricular Activity

In an official statement, NMIMS clarified that the event in question was a “Bake and Sell” activity organised by students as part of a co-curricular programme designed to develop communication and business skills through hands-on experience.

The university stated that between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, a group of unauthorized individuals entered the campus and disrupted the activity, causing damage to campus property. It emphasised that the safety and well-being of students remain its highest priority.

“The safety of our students is our top priority at NMIMS. A safe environment is essential to the learning process, and such activities by outside groups disrupt our institutional values, discipline, and academic plans,” the statement read.

The administration added that due to the immediate activation of campus security protocols and the swift response of local police, no students or staff were injured. The situation was handled professionally, and those involved in the disruption were removed from the premises.

NMIMS reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any disruption of its academic environment and confirmed that it is cooperating with authorities to ensure accountability and maintain campus safety.

Investigation Underway

Police have indicated that a formal inquiry is underway to ascertain the sequence of events, verify claims made by both sides, and determine whether procedural lapses occurred in organising the event. Further action will depend on findings from CCTV footage and witness statements.

The incident has once again brought attention to recurring tensions around Valentine’s Day-related activities on educational campuses and the broader debate over cultural norms, student autonomy, and law and order.
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_Agency Inputs.