Violent Clash at BHU Varanasi Hostels Leaves Students Injured
A serious altercation erupted on the campus of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi on Thursday evening, resulting in injuries to several students. The incident involved groups of inmates from Birla and Ruiya hostels, escalating into a violent confrontation that required police intervention to control.
Trigger and Escalation of the Conflict
The clash was sparked by an earlier incident on Thursday afternoon, when Piyush Tiwari, a resident of Ruiya Hostel, was allegedly assaulted by some students from Birla Hostel. As news of this attack spread rapidly across the campus, it fueled tensions between the two hostel groups.
In response, a large number of students gathered at Birla crossing, where the situation quickly deteriorated. The confrontation turned violent, with reports of brick-batting and stone-pelting, leading to injuries among the students involved. The severity of the clash prompted immediate action from university authorities.
Police and University Response
Upon being alerted by the varsity proctorial board, police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) teams swiftly reached the spot. Their prompt arrival helped bring the volatile situation under control, preventing further escalation of violence.
DCP Kashi Zone, Varanasi, Gaurav Banswal, provided insights into the underlying cause of the conflict. He stated that the clash stemmed from a dispute between groups of students from Birla and Ruiya hostels, rooted in an old grudge that had resurfaced. The police response was necessitated by the reports of brick- and stone-pelting, with a heavy force deployed to manage the situation.
Aftermath and Investigations
One student sustained injuries serious enough to require hospital admission, highlighting the physical toll of the clash. In his formal complaint, Piyush Tiwari named some former students who were allegedly occupying BHU hostels without authorisation, adding a layer of complexity to the incident.
Following the clash, proctorial board personnel conducted an extensive search operation in Birla Hostel. This action led to the ousting of many unauthorised inmates, addressing one of the grievances raised in the complaint. Inspector Lanka Rajkumar Sharma confirmed that an FIR is being registered based on the complaint from the injured student, initiating a formal legal process.
Peace and order were successfully maintained at the spot with the continued presence of police forces, ensuring no further disturbances occurred. The incident has raised concerns about campus security and student conduct at one of India's premier educational institutions.
