Shivamogga, 29 April

Students under the National Students Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest at Kuvempu University in Shivamogga on Wednesday, demanding the release of scholarship funds and upgrades to hostel facilities.

The demonstration escalated into a rampage as protestors destroyed the flower pots, furniture outside the Vice Chancellor’s (VC) chamber and blackened the nameplates. VC Sharath Ananthamurthy tried to pacify the students.

The members of the student wing of Congress took to the university corridors, raising slogans such as “DOWN DOWN VC”.

Speaking to reporters, Ananthamurthy said the students had approached him four days ago and submitted a memorandum.

"During the discussion, we solved some of their grievances, but what they did today by damaging university property is unacceptable. We don't even know if those who staged the protests are students," the VC said.

He warned that action would be taken against those involved in the vandalism.