Fee Hike Protest Turns Bloody At Punjabi University

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PATIALA – Punjabi University students protesting the recent fee hike were dragged and beaten up by the police in one of the most violent clashes on the campus in recent times. More than 24 persons, including students, policemen, journalists and officials, were injured.

The police have registered a case against 27 identified students, including five girls, and around 150 unidentified persons under various Sections of the IPC at the Urban Estate police station. The university authorities have declared a holiday for Friday.

The peaceful dharna turned violent after the police and administration intervened. They had a heated exchange of words with the agitating students, following which there were violent clashes.

Patiala Inspector General Paramjit Gill has promised a probe into the lathicharge even as the situation remains tense on the university campus. Meanwhile, the police from neighbouring districts was also called in. Incidentally, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is scheduled to visit Patiala on Friday.

It all started in the morning when the protesting students gathered peacefully and blocked the university gate, demanding a rollback of the recent fee hike. Patiala SDM Gurpal Chahal reached the spot and their interaction soon turned into an altercation. Both sides accused the other of “hurling abuses”.