The scene outside the college turned tense as youngsters got embroiled in physical violence. Several videos on social media show students turning up on day 2 of the fest and witnessing multiple fights, which resulted in panic and confusion. All this happened after an already long-standing clash between the students' union and the administration of the college; which had previously led to delay in scheduling the fest.

Students' speak

The Reels from the venue also show individuals involved in physical violence near C Block and Gate No 5. Punching, kicking, and even throwing tables and chairs were spotted several youngsters. But this was on the D-day. The days leading up to the fest were already tense, with a protest recently held on campus by the students' union against the college's decision to not allow an artiste to perform - a decision that was later overturned, following which musician Vilen was invited to perform at the fest. However, even that didn't proceed smoothly as viral videos shows large-scale brawls both inside and outside the college premises. Abhijeet Singh, president of the college's students' union, concurs, "There were close to 25,000 people at the college, a lot of them outsiders. There was security and Police, but none was really able to control the situation. The college administration was, throughout the week, not very involved in the organisation of the fest, as they saw it more as something the students' union could run and left it all on us."

Police takes charge

While the situation spiralled out of control, the artiste did take to stage and was able to perform non-stop as Delhi Police intervened to control the chaotic scenario that included rumours of a knife-stabbing incident. But, DCP North District Raja Banthia, told HT City that "No incident of stabbing was reported. Necessary Police force was deployed, which intervened and brought the situation under control. Two student groups, one from Hansraj College and one from Dyal Singh College, were called to the police station. As we speak, no complaint has been received from any group."

Principal opines

The college authorities, however, share that they did pre-empt the ruckus. "This is what we were fearing all along, which is why we put restrictions prior to our fest. We were avoiding an artiste performance because such brawls are not uncommon at fests and there have been plenty of precedents. But the students' union was not willing to listen and they protested. Then the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) got involved, making it a much larger issue. We then allowed the artiste to perform till 5pm," says Rama, principal, Hansraj College.

Principal Rama adds, "It's about time that DU curtails artiste performances at college fests otherwise such scenes will continue to happen. There were close to 70-80 Delhi Police personnel on the college premises trying to control the situation. It was mainly students from other colleges and not Hansraj, who created the ruckus. Even the students who were arrested by the Delhi Police were from Dyal Singh College. We now have a committee looking into the matter, and disciplinary action will be taken."

(Inputs by Henna Rakheja)

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