Kashmiri, Bihari students clash at KCET campus, six injured

An argument between two groups of students at Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology turned violent on Wednesday night, leaving six students injured and prompting police intervention.

The incident occurred in the hostel mess when a minor dispute over language between two groups of students — one from Kashmir and the other from Bihar — escalated into a violent clash. According to eyewitnesses, the verbal argument soon turned into a physical altercation. Within moments, students from both groups confronted each other, leading to a fierce fight on the campus.

The injured students were immediately rushed to various hospitals for treatment. Following the incident, chaos gripped the campus, with nearly half a dozen students reportedly injured in the scuffle. The police reached the spot soon after receiving information and brought the situation under control.

Security on the campus was also tightened. Although the dispute initially appeared to have been resolved after intervention by security personnel and faculty members, tensions escalated again after some Bihari students alleged that a faculty member had slapped one of the students.

“The three students who sustained minor injuries have been treated and the matter between the student groups has been resolved after intervention by the management. We have also expelled all students involved in the violence from the hostel for six months, although they will be allowed to appear for examinations. On the demand of some Bihari students, we have also recommended termination of the services of the faculty member involved,” said Dr Manju Bala, Director, KCET, Ranjit Avenue.

Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial investigations revealed that the two groups had an altercation over an old dispute before the clash intensified. Police officials said the matter is being thoroughly investigated. Footage from CCTV cameras installed across the college campus is also being examined to determine the exact cause of the altercation and identify the students involved.

Inspector Robin Hans, SHO, Ranjit Avenue division 2, said, “We have recorded statements of all parties involved. Appropriate action will be taken regarding the complaint lodged by Bihari students against the faculty member under investigation.”

A first-year BTech (CSE) student who witnessed the incident said the dispute began during lunch in the hostel mess. According to him, some students from Bihar were conversing in their regional language when students from the other group objected. An argument followed, which later escalated into a violent clash.

Following the incident, some students accused the college administration of bias. They alleged that they were instructed to remain inside the hostel after the incident, while students from the other group were treated differently. However, the college administration denied the allegations.