Allahabad:
There was pandemonium at the Allahabad University campus as over 1000 students went on a rampage on Thursday evening.
Students, mostly from the hostel, were staging a sit-in outside Vice Chancellor Dr AK Singh's office to protest against his order for vacating hostels during the summer break. Dr Singh was practically held hostage for over 24 hours inside his office as the students refused to let him leave till he reversed his decision.
During the protests, Abhishek Yadav, a Samajwadi Party youth wing leader was also seen actively engaging with the students. In November last year, Mr Yadav had waved black flags at Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's rally - following which he was allegedly beaten up by Congress ministers and leaders.
He reportedly enjoys the confidence of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, allegedly the reason why the local administration did not step in for more than 24 hours.
Trouble at the campus began when the district administration finally stepped-in on Thursday evening and tried to forcibly remove students.
Students clashed with police as an under-prepared administration was caught off-guard. Over 1000 students pelted the police with stones and torched six vehicles, including a public bus and the official car of an additional district magistrate.
The riot resulted in a curfew-like situation in a five square kilometre area, in and around the university campus. The situation in the area remains tense.
As a result of the violence, the university authorities have ordered a complete shutdown for two days.
No arrests have been made so far. But the police say they will conduct raids and nab all those who indulged in rioting and arson.