Banaras Hindu University (BHU) resembled a fortified zone on Tuesday night after a confrontation between students and the Proctorial Board spiralled into a violent clash marked by intense stone-throwing.
According to university sources, the disturbance began at the Birla Hostel complex, where a group of students had been holding a prolonged sit-in to push for a series of unresolved demands.
Matters came to a head when the Proctorial Board reportedly attempted either to persuade the protesters to disperse or to open discussions with them.
Witnesses say the heated exchange swiftly deteriorated, shifting from verbal hostility to a physical scuffle.
Amid the chaos, some of the protesting students allegedly hurled stones at security personnel and members of the Proctorial Board.
Early accounts did not confirm how many people were injured or the seriousness of their injuries, but authorities immediately imposed heightened security measures.
The entire campus was soon placed under a heavy security cordon. Multiple teams from the local police and paramilitary units were deployed. These included units from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), stationed across key locations.
In effect, the BHU grounds were transformed into a heavily guarded zone, particularly around the main entrances and the Birla Hostel area, to prevent any further outbreak of violence.
University officials have yet to reveal details of the students’ original demands or the precise trigger for the clashes.
The situation remains tense and highly unstable, with anxiety palpable across the Central University.
Authorities are closely monitoring developments as they work to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and bring the campus back to normal.
In the aftermath of the gang rape of an IIT-BHU student last year, campus security measures had already been tightened.
Multiple barriers were installed, and movement after 10 PM was restricted for both students and visitors.
The IIT administration maintained that these steps were necessary to ensure student safety.
Many BHU students have opposed the restrictions. They argue that the barriers have caused needless inconvenience for those moving through the campus.
Tensions resurfaced on Sunday night when IIT students returning to their hostel were stopped at the Birla intersection.
Some individuals allegedly questioned them about their affiliation with IIT, sparking an argument.
A student was reportedly slapped, and the dispute escalated rapidly.
A fierce confrontation followed, with students on both sides clashing until police intervened and broke up the groups.
In response, students from IIT’s Rajputana Hostel launched a protest. When police prevented their march towards Birla Hostel, they redirected their agitation to the Director’s Office and began a sit-in.
Director Professor Amit Patra arrived at about 4 AM to address them, assuring the students that their concerns would be taken seriously. He also pledged stricter security measures for the IIT campus.
The students submitted three demands:
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