Protests by students at the Kanpur Institute of Technology (KIT) in Rooma escalated dramatically into violence and arson on Monday, following the collapse of negotiations with the college management over fee-related grievances. The agitation, which began last Thursday, reached a critical point, leading to significant property damage and a fire in the institute's conference room.
From Slogans to Vandalism: A Day of Escalating Tensions
The day began with students raising slogans and staging demonstrations on the campus premises. However, by the afternoon, the protest took a violent turn. Frustrated students began smashing flower pots, breaking window panes, and damaging hoardings. They also threw chairs around, creating a scene of chaos. The situation became so volatile that the management staff were forced to lock themselves in for their own safety.
The core of the students' anger stems from allegations of fraud. They claim that the college falsely advertised itself as an autonomous institution during the admission process, a status that often influences fee structures and academic flexibility. The students have accused the management of deliberate deception in this matter.
Failed Negotiations and Police Intervention
In an attempt to resolve the standoff, delegates from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) held talks with the agitating students in the afternoon. Unfortunately, these discussions made no headway, failing to bridge the gap between the two sides.
Subsequently, administrative and police officials arrived at the campus to control the situation. ADM City, SDM Narwal Vivek Mishra, and ACP Chakeri Abhishek Pandey reached the spot with a police force. They too held discussions with the protesters, but the students refused to back down, maintaining their demands.
Conference Room Set Ablaze, Fire Brigade Rushed In
The most severe incident occurred later in the evening when a fire broke out in the institute's conference room, causing widespread panic. It is alleged that the fire was set by the protesting students. Upon receiving the information, fire brigade vehicles rushed to the KIT campus and, after considerable effort, managed to bring the blaze under control.
Commenting on the day's events, ACP Abhishek Pandey stated that every aspect of the incident would be thoroughly investigated. He assured that, for the moment, the situation at the Kanpur Institute of Technology was under control, thanks to the swift action by the police and fire services. The authorities are now tasked with investigating the causes of the violence and the fire while addressing the underlying grievances that sparked the prolonged agitation.
