FIR against 5 BHU students after protest over drinking water shortage turns violent

Varanasi: A protest by inmates of Birla A Hostel at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) over inadequate drinking water facilities turned violent late on Saturday night, with some students allegedly pelting stones at security personnel.According to chief proctor Prof Sandeep Pokharia, the agitation began when a group of hostel residents staged a sit-in on the hostel road, demanding an increase in the capacity of the RO system and water coolers, which they claimed were insufficient for the number of inmates.University authorities intervened and arranged drinking water for the students around 12.15am, following which the protesters called off the demonstration and began returning to their rooms. However, a few students allegedly resorted to stone-pelting during dispersal, critically injuring a security personnel. The injured was rushed to the BHU Trauma Centre for treatment.Prof Pokharia said five students involved in the incident have been identified and an FIR has been registered against them at Lanka police station. He added that the situation was brought under control, and normalcy restored in the hostel.University officials along with security personnel and police remained stationed at the site till early morning to monitor the situation.