Sambapur: Over a hundred students of Sambalpur University Tuesday went on a rampage when the 50th Foundation Day of the varsity was being celebrated at Biju Patnaik Auditorium here.
The ugly incident, which has sent shockwaves across the state, would remain a blot on the reputation of the varsity, many dignitaries present on the occasion said, seeking stringent action against the guilty.
However, the exact reason behind such unruly behaviour of the students was yet to be ascertained.
The students, suspected to be from colleges of Rourkela, went berserk and indulged in a brawl with the police when they attempted to barge into the auditorium by breaking the doors.
They smashed the flower vases and tore the cloth decoration protesting their resentment over some issues.
The celebration was postponed at least on two occasions to pacify the angry students. Finally, the vice-chancellor had to promise a discussion with them after the meeting to bring the situation under control, it was learnt.
However, the incident left the guests including vice-chancellor of Bilaspur University Prof BD Sharma and eminent poet Padmashri Liladhar Jagori shell-shocked.
Sambalpur University, considered a leading institute in the field of higher education at national level, was recently awarded ‘A’ grade by NAAC for maintaining high standards.
The university authorities as well as the festival committee claimed they had finished all preparations for smooth conduct of the programme. However, the meeting began an hour late. Meanwhile, a large group of students entered the venue at about 12.30 pm when poet Jagori started speaking.
The incident evoked sharp reactions among the other guests, students and retired varsity officials who attended the programme. The carelessness of the authorities concerned and inefficiency of the police administration has led to such a scenario, they alleged.
Professor Chittaranjan Tripathy, vice-chancellor of SU, said the students didn’t file any complaint about their problems.
The principals of the colleges also didn’t inform the varsity over the students’ resentment, Tripathy added. Such behaviour of students is not at all acceptable and action would be taken after a probe, he said.
“The incident is unfortunate and would be discussed in the syndicate. The university authorities would take measures in accordance with the law,” PG council chairman Biswajit Satpathy said.
Varsity employees’ association general secretary Mahendra Mishra said the incident, which could have been avoided, has sent a wrong message to other states. PNN
