Ceiling collapses at RU library, students escape unhurt

Jaipur: A major accident was averted at the Central Library of Rajasthan University Wednesday after a portion of the ceiling in the research hall collapsed while students were preparing for examinations. No injuries were reported, as several students had stepped out for lunch moments before the incident.

According to students, around 20 to 25 students were seated in the area where the ceiling gave way. They said the student sitting directly beneath the damaged portion had left for lunch shortly before the collapse, narrowly escaping injury.

Students alleged that warning signs had been visible for days. Nikita Bajiya, who was present in the library during the incident, said, “Water had been leaking from the ceiling for nearly 10 to 12 days and small pieces of plaster had frequently fallen because of seepage.”

The incident sparked concern among students as the library has been witnessing heavy footfall due to ongoing examinations. Several students gathered outside the library and staged a protest, alleging negligence by the university administration.

Students also questioned the quality of renovation work reportedly carried out at the library a few months ago. Law student Shubham Agarwal said, “The walls and ceilings had recently been painted, but no proper structural inspection had been conducted for a long time.”

Chief Proctor Prof R.A. Sharma reached the spot and assured students that their concerns would be addressed.

ABVP student representative Bharat Bhushan said, “The administration had failed to ensure student safety despite repeated complaints.” He said a major tragedy could have occurred had students been sitting there at the time of the collapse.

On Tuesday, students had also protested at the library over the lack of cold drinking water facilities.