Varanasi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) transformed into a high-security zone late Tuesday night following a fierce confrontation between students and the Proctorial Board that escalated into a violent incident, reportedly characterized by intense stone-pelting.

The unrest began at the Birla Hostel complex, where students had been conducting a prolonged dharna to voice a series of unmet demands, as confirmed by sources.

Tensions surged when the Proctorial Board allegedly sought to disperse or engage in dialogue with the protesting students.

Witnesses reported that the verbal disputes quickly transitioned into physical conflict.

In the chaos, groups of protesting students reportedly engaged in considerable stone-pelting, targeting security officials and members of the Proctorial Board.

Although initial reports did not specify the number or severity of injuries, immediate security reinforcements were initiated.

The entire BHU campus was subjected to an unprecedented security presence following the outbreak of violence, with multiple units of local police and paramilitary forces, including the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), deployed promptly.

Essentially, the campus grounds were transformed into a cantonment, particularly around the main entrances and the Birla Hostel area, to prevent any further escalation.

The university administration has declined to reveal the specifics of the students' demands that initially sparked the protest, nor the immediate trigger for the violence.

The atmosphere remains tense and volatile within this esteemed Central university.

Officials are vigilantly monitoring the situation to identify the students involved in the stone-pelting and to restore normalcy on campus.

Following the gang rape incident involving an IIT-BHU student last year, campus security has been significantly heightened. Numerous barriers have been erected, and after 10 p.m., neither students nor outsiders are permitted to traverse certain routes.

The IIT administration has asserted that these precautions are necessary for student safety.

Nonetheless, many BHU students have voiced their objections, arguing that the barriers create unnecessary inconveniences.

On Sunday night, tensions escalated when IIT students returning to their campus were halted at Birla intersection.

Some students allegedly inquired about their IIT affiliation, resulting in a heated argument. One student was slapped, and the situation quickly devolved into violence.

Both factions engaged in fierce conflict until police intervened to disperse the assembly.

In response to the incident, students from IIT’s Rajputana Hostel organized a protest. When police obstructed their march towards Birla Hostel, they redirected their efforts to the Director’s Office, staging a sit-in.

Upon being informed about the protest, Director Professor Amit Patra made an appearance at 4 a.m., assuring students that their grievances would be acknowledged.

He also committed to enhancing campus security.

The students presented three demands: an increase in security on the IIT campus; adequate medical care for the injured; and strict disciplinary actions against those involved in the clash.