Outsiders in hostels, students go berserk in Uttar Pradesh

GORAKHPUR - Agitated over alleged illegal occupancy in their hostels, students of the Gorakhpur University Thursday went berserk by attacking police and torching vehicles during their violent protests.

Demanding action against the outsiders occupying the hostel rooms, a large number of students took to the streets and resorted to vandalism and arson in areas under the cantonment police station.

According to police, manhandling of some university students by the outsiders triggered the violent protests.

“Taking into account the series of violent protests, we have deployed additional force in and around the campus,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Biswajeet Srivastava told reporters here.

“The situation is still tense, but under control. Efforts are on to nab the outsiders who assaulted some varsity students and then fled from the scene by opening fire in the air,” he added.

According to police, angry students targeted a number of public vehicles and set afire nearly six motorbikes that were parked near the university. Students also tried to torch a police jeep, but failed in the attempt.

Students alleged that the issue of illegal occupancy of hostels was several times brought to the notice of the university administration in the past, but no action was taken by the authorities, forcing them to take to streets.