Tension gripped Varanasi’s Udai Pratap College following a deadly shootout between two students, resulting in one fatality and prompting massive protests. The shooter, the main accused in the case, is now in police custody after a rapid manhunt.
Reports indicate the clash began over a personal dispute on college premises during the day. One student, armed with a pistol, opened fire, critically wounding Surya Pratap Singh, a BSc fourth-semester student hailing from Ghazipur district. Despite being admitted to a nearby hospital, Singh breathed his last during treatment.
Outraged classmates took to the streets and campus, smashing property and staging demonstrations against perceived administrative lapses. Additional DCP Neetu Katyayan updated that the postmortem was completed, and the body handed over for last rites. Protesters have shifted their dharna indoors, refusing to disperse until assurances are given.
Joint CP Shivhari Meena had earlier briefed on the incident, noting that FIR proceedings were underway and multiple teams were deployed for the arrest. Police recovered the discarded weapon and ammunition from the site, with forensics on the job. Commissioner Mohit Agarwal led the response, deploying forces from surrounding stations to restore order.
The episode underscores the urgent need for enhanced vigilance in colleges, where minor scuffles can turn lethal. With the accused nabbed, police aim to uncover any deeper motives or gang affiliations, vowing thorough probes to prevent recurrences.