A day after violence and arson shook the Sathyabama University on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), the Chennai Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan has told TNM that the situation is under control.
"Everything is calm and in control now. There have been no arrests," confirms Commissioner Viswanathan.
Students have, however, been told to evacuate the hostels after Sathyabama University declared leave until January 3, with semester examinations also postponed.
On Wednesday night, protests erupted at the institute after an 18-year-old first year computer science student committed suicide. Raga Monica Reddy from Andhra Pradesh was allegedly caught copying in an exam and told to leave the exam hall.
While there was no sign of unrest immediately following her death, students say the violence began at 7.30pm. First-year students and Raga Monica’s batchmates had initiated the protests which then quickly spiralled into violence and arson.
According to reports, more than 300 students protested, with several indulging in violence.
Mattresses were set on fire and college property was vandalised.
Over 200 police personnel were deployed and fire engines called in. The situation was brought under control following this and a police inquiry conducted, reported Times of India.
The inquiry reportedly found that the complexity of the curriculum was the first cause of protest, followed by the lack of facilities. It was only after this, that students talked about the suicide.
Students of the college have meanwhile been left in a lurch as they have been told to leave the hostel immediately.
"We have left the hostel and are roaming around campus because all our buses will only come in the evening. There are still police at the entrance of the university," a student tell TNM.
When asked about the extent of damage caused, he says, "Building have not sustained any damage due to fire. They only burnt mattresses. Windows of classrooms, the library and buses have all been shattered."
In 2012, the university had witnessed violence, on a smaller scale, as angry students protested against the college for not replying to AICTE's new regulations.