TISS Student Abhirup Paul Gets Extra Day In Police Custody

A Mumbai court has granted the Crime Branch one more day of police custody for 32-year-old TISS student Abhirup Ashim Paul, alias Ronnie. This decision comes in connection with an alleged unauthorised programme held at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) campus in October 2025.

The Crime Branch requested the extension to investigate allegedly incriminating material found on Paul's electronic devices. They also want to recover deleted digital data and examine his field visits and alleged links with the Progressive Students Forum and other individuals.

Paul was arrested by Crime Branch Unit 6 on Saturday after a sessions court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. The case stems from a memorial gathering held at the TISS campus for former Delhi University professor G.N. Saibaba in October last year. Police allege that several students entered the campus without prior permission and organised a candle-lighting programme.

According to the police, slogans including 'Release Umar Khalid' and 'Release Sharjeel Imam' were also allegedly raised during the gathering. The Mumbai Police have emailed notices to two TISS professors seeking information regarding messages allegedly exchanged with Paul.

The case was initially registered at Trombay police station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 37(d), 37(e) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. It was later transferred to the Crime Branch.

During the hearing, investigating officer Police Inspector Sushant Sawant submitted that allegedly Maoist-related literature had been downloaded on Paul's electronic devices. Police also claimed that WhatsApp conversations indicated that Paul had undertaken field visits to various locations and that some messages had subsequently been deleted.

The investigation is ongoing, with the police seeking to uncover more information about Paul's activities and connections. The TISS campus has been the site of several protests and gatherings in recent years, with students often using the space to express their opinions on various social and political issues.

The arrest of Abhirup Paul has sparked concern among students and academics about the limits of free speech and the role of the police in monitoring campus activities. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what implications it may have for the TISS community.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the police and student groups in Mumbai, with the authorities often facing criticism for their handling of protests and gatherings. The case is likely to be closely watched by students, academics, and civil liberties groups in the coming days.

In the context of Mumbai's vibrant student movement, the arrest of Abhirup Paul is a significant development. The city has a long history of student activism, with many young people using their voices to speak out on issues such as social justice, equality, and human rights.

For now, the focus is on the investigation and the ongoing police custody of Abhirup Paul. As the case progresses, it is likely to raise important questions about the balance between free speech and public order, and the role of the police in maintaining that balance.

The incident has significant implications for Mumbai, as it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city's student community. The case is a reminder that the right to free speech and assembly is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and that the police and authorities must balance their duty to maintain public order with the need to protect these rights.

In conclusion, the arrest of Abhirup Paul and the extension of his police custody are significant developments in a case that has sparked concern among students and academics in Mumbai. As the investigation continues, it is likely to raise important questions about the limits of free speech and the role of the police in monitoring campus activities.