Bathinda/ Patna: Several students from Bihar were reportedly attacked at Guru Kashi University in Bathinda, Punjab, with assailants allegedly using swords during the assault. Multiple students sustained serious injuries, including head wounds and fractures, as distressing images and videos of bloodied students surfaced on social media.
While affected students claim they were targeted by local residents, the university administration has denied this, stating that the violence stemmed from a clash between two groups of students from Bihar. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Students Allege Lack of Support, Security Guards’ Involvement
Students from Bihar pursuing courses such as BTech, BPharma, BCA, MCA, and MBA at the university alleged that the situation had been deteriorating for the past five days. Many claim that local individuals joined the attack, escalating the violence. According to reports, more than two dozen students were injured, some critically.
The students also allege that rather than protecting them, the Punjab Police detained Bihar students instead of assisting them. In a shocking claim, some students stated that university security guards were complicit in the attack and even fired shots during the violence. Several students have now appealed to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Education Minister for intervention.
University’s Version of Events
Guru Kashi University Vice Chancellor Dr. SK Bawa has refuted claims of an attack by local residents, stating that the incident involved two rival groups of students from Bihar. Speaking to the media, Dr. Bawa said, “This fight was not between Bihari and Punjabi students but between two groups from Bihar. One group called in local friends, which escalated the situation.”
Bihar Deputy CM Blames Punjab Government
The incident has sparked political controversy, with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary criticising the AAP-led Punjab government.
“The brutal attack on Bihar students at Guru Kashi University is highly condemnable. Many youths have been injured. Under the AAP government, Punjab has become a stronghold of hooliganism. The party has fostered caste-based and regional divisions. I demand immediate security for Bihar students and strict action against the perpetrators,” Choudhary said.
The police investigation is ongoing, while students remain fearful for their safety and concerned about their academic future.
