As students’ protests turn violent, Nagpur Police Commissioner’s meme message wins internet

Things went awry in Mumbai and Nagpur as some students damaged private and police vehicles, pelted stones and blocked roads. Taking to Twitter, Commissioner of Police for Nagpur City, Amitesh Kumar, shared a popular Drake meme to guide students, who are demanding the board exams be cancelled.

As the meme is often used to juxtapose two contrasting ideas—one where Drake holds his hands as a sign of disapproval and is seen in a delighted mood in another—Kumar used the popular snapshot often referred to as ‘Drakeposting’ to urge students to protest in a civilised manner.

In the meme inspired by the Canadian hip-hop artiste’s 2015 hit single Hotline Bling, where the top part is used typically to express disdain, the senior officer used a photo of a damaged bus. “Offence against you, harmful for your future career,” he added his caption.

In the second bit, the text used by Kumar read: “Yes you have the right to protest, but in lawful parameters only”.

Dear young students, pic.twitter.com/AxRCEnlVou

— CP Amitesh Kumar (@nagpurcp) February 1, 2022

As students resorted to violence, the police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse them. The call for the protest was given by social media influencer Vikas Fhatak, alias Hindustani Bhau, who allegedly makes abusive videos on social media.

Fhatak uploaded a video on his fan page account on Instagram, asking students to come out and “peacefully protest” outside the residence of state School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad on Monday against the government’s decision.

“An FIR is being registered against him and others for rioting, unlawful assembly, damage to public property and obstructing public servants from discharging duties,” an officer from Dharavi police station said.

Kumar also issued a statement saying they have “full sympathy” for young students but the police had to register cases and that they are identifying violators through CCTV footage. The officer said he believed “some vested interest are again provoking students” to take to the streets and urged parents not to “expose their children to any illegality”.

My dear young students of #Nagpur, pic.twitter.com/Sjp4GoPEKw

— CP Amitesh Kumar (@nagpurcp) February 1, 2022

As the senior officer’s post started to gain attention online, many lauded him for patiently explaining the situation to the students and not dismissing their concerns.

Excellent way to give message sir👍

— RupeshPatil (@TheUrbanPatil) February 1, 2022

Excellent appeal 👏

— Irfan Ahmed (@sairafan) February 1, 2022

Protesting is one thing, vandalism is another matter altogether. Strictest possible punishment should be meted to those who indulged in vandalism yesterday.

— Amol Joshi (@amoljoshi) February 1, 2022

Dear Sir ,

Feel blessed to live in one of the safest city across nation.

Forever thankful to @NagpurPolice & all the Men / Women in uniform for keeping city safe & maintaining harmony irrespective of all odds .

Thanks alot once again .

— BabaVaieragi (@babavaieragi) February 1, 2022

Sir this is excellent manner to convey message for youth! 👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks for right decisions

— Tareeque Ansari (@tareeque_abdul) February 1, 2022

My Good Lord! Amazing Sir! What Superb way of admonishing the young vulnerable minds into following the righteous path! Hats off to you& your team , Sir,for those wonderful words for the misguided youngsters! I being a teacher can identify myself with those words!👏🙏

— Mallika Kaleem (@MallikaKaleem) February 1, 2022

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