Daijiworld Media Network - Varanasi
Varanasi, Mar 21: A 23-year-old college student was shot dead by a fellow student inside a campus in Varanasi on Friday, triggering violent protests and raising concerns over campus security.
The victim, Surya Pratap Singh, a BA fourth semester student at Uday Pratap College, was attacked around 11 am in a corridor of the social sciences faculty building.
According to eyewitnesses, the accused, identified as Manjeet Chauhan, opened fire at close range, allegedly shooting four rounds targeting Singh’s head and chest before fleeing the scene. He reportedly escaped by jumping a boundary wall after discarding the weapon, which was later recovered by police.
Singh was initially rushed to a private hospital and later shifted to the BHU Trauma Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Police said the incident appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute between the two students. Mohit Agarwal confirmed that preliminary findings point to mutual enmity as the cause.
A case has been registered against the accused and his associate Anuj Thakur, who was reportedly present during the incident. Both are currently absconding, and teams have been deployed to trace them.
The victim’s father, Rishidev Singh, created a tense situation by refusing to perform the last rites until the accused is killed in an encounter. After discussions with police, the body was later taken to the family residence.
Following the incident, the campus witnessed large-scale unrest. Angry students locked the main gate, vandalised property, and damaged several vehicles. At least three teachers were reportedly assaulted, with one sustaining head injuries and being hospitalised.
Heavy police deployment was made to control the situation, and trapped faculty members were escorted out under protection.
The incident has sparked serious concerns over safety on educational campuses, particularly regarding how a firearm was brought inside the premises. Police said further investigation is underway, including examination of CCTV footage and interrogation of suspects once apprehended.