Kataka: Student unrest intensified at Ravenshaw University on Monday as boarders of the East Hostel continued an indefinite hunger strike and dharna for over 24 hours, demanding the resignation of Deputy Warden Rabiul Ansari over allegations of arbitrary action against hostel inmates.
Hundreds of students joined the agitation outside the East Hostel, holding placards and ringing a gong as part of their protest. The agitation has also disrupted normal functioning of the hostel, with students claiming that the hostel mess has remained virtually non-functional since Sunday.
The protest began after the Deputy Warden allegedly locked two hostel rooms following a Friendship Day celebration organised by boarders on the night of August 1. Students alleged that one boarder was deliberately harassed, his room was locked, and he was directed to vacate the hostel. They further claimed that the Deputy Warden was pressurising other residents to testify against the student, triggering widespread resentment among boarders.
The protesting students accused the Deputy Warden of acting arbitrarily by entering the hostel without notice, forcing students out of their rooms and locking them at will. They have vowed to continue the agitation until their demand for his resignation is met.
University authorities held discussions with the protesting students on Sunday night and again on Monday, but the talks failed to break the deadlock.
Chief Warden Sudarshan Mishra acknowledged that the hostel room had indeed been locked and assured students that an inquiry would be conducted into the incident before further action is taken.
However, the students rejected the assurance, insisting on immediate action against the Deputy Warden. They continued their indefinite hunger strike and round-the-clock sit-in outside the hostel.
Ravenshaw University has witnessed episodes of student unrest in the past, but they were generally resolved through dialogue. The ongoing protest, however, has entered its second day without any breakthrough, with repeated rounds of discussions failing to produce a resolution.
