Violent Student Protest Erupts at Kanpur Institute of Technology, Conference Room Set Ablaze

Tensions flared at the Kanpur Institute of Technology (KIT) on Monday evening as angry students staged a violent protest over the institute’s autonomous status, leading to large-scale vandalism and the setting ablaze of a newly constructed conference room on the campus. Prompt action by the college administration prevented the fire from spreading further.

The protest, which had been simmering for over a week, took an aggressive turn as students accused the institute of misleading them during admissions for the 2024–25 academic session by claiming autonomous status. According to the students, this led to higher fees being charged compared to non-autonomous colleges, while academic processes remained unclear and inconsistent with university norms.

Eyewitnesses reported chaos on campus as students damaged property and allegedly engaged in a scuffle with the college director. A visiting team from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) also alleged misbehavior by protesters during the unrest.

At the core of the dispute is the examination pattern and enrollment process. Students claim that despite assurances of autonomy, exams were conducted for only 30 marks instead of the standard 70-mark university system. Many students allege that due to the ambiguity surrounding the institute’s status, their enrollment with AKTU could not be completed, putting the academic future of BTech, BCA, and MCA students at risk.

Students further alleged that they pursued courses and selected subjects as per the autonomous curriculum, only to later face pressure to appear for university-pattern examinations. Several claimed that two to three crucial academic years now stand in jeopardy, along with increased financial burden due to higher fees.

Following reports of violence and arson, senior administrative and police officials rushed to the spot. SDM Narwal Vivek Mishra, ACP Chakeri Abhishek Pandey, along with a heavy police force, brought the situation under control. Subsequently, AKTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajiv Kumar, Dean of Student Welfare Prof. O.P. Singh, Deputy Registrar Ayush Srivastava, and ADM City Dr. Rajesh Kumar also reached the institute to assess the situation.

Talks were held between the students, college management, university representatives, and district administration. University officials assured students that their academic interests would be safeguarded and that no decision would be taken that could harm their future.

Adding to the controversy, students alleged that female residents were confined inside hostels during the protest. After sustained efforts, the students reportedly managed to come out and joined the demonstration at the main gate. The students asserted that they were being unfairly punished despite following institutional rules, paying fees, and performing well academically.

Final-year students expressed grave concern that the ongoing turmoil could adversely affect their placements, while first-year students feared that proposed back-paper examinations would tarnish their academic records.

The incident has raised serious questions about governance, transparency, and accountability in private technical institutions, prompting calls for a thorough inquiry into the matter to ensure justice for the affected students.