February 26, 2026 : A festive Holi celebration at Guru Ghasidas Central University turned tense on Wednesday after a dispute between two groups of students escalated into a physical altercation during the “Rangotsav” event organized on campus.
The Holi pre-celebration program was hosted by the university unit of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). A stage had been set up within the campus premises, complete with a DJ sound system. Students, drenched in colors and gulal, were dancing enthusiastically to music. Participants from various faculties, research scholars, and students from different states took part in the vibrant event.
Amid the celebrations, a disagreement reportedly broke out between two student groups, both said to be from the university’s Law Department. According to sources, the dispute began over an issue related to accessing the stage. What initially appeared to be a minor verbal altercation soon escalated into pushing and physical fighting, disrupting the festive atmosphere and causing panic among some attendees.
Fellow students intervened and managed to separate the two groups, eventually restoring calm at the venue. Despite the brief chaos, the program continued under supervision.
Rangotsav is organized annually ahead of Holi, as many outstation students return to their hometowns during the main festival. The event is intended to promote cultural unity, harmony, and togetherness within the university community. This year’s celebration was planned on a larger scale following the success of previous editions, and the campus had turned vibrant with colors, music, and cultural performances.
However, the incident has once again drawn attention to concerns regarding campus discipline and administrative oversight. Several students alleged that such clashes have become increasingly common in recent times. They expressed dissatisfaction with the university administration and questioned the role of the Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice Chancellor in maintaining order and ensuring a safe academic environment.
According to student voices, administrative intervention and preventive measures are necessary to avoid similar incidents in the future. While no official statement has yet been released by the university authorities or the Vice Chancellor’s office, students are demanding stricter monitoring of large-scale campus events and clearer guidelines to prevent disputes.
The episode has sparked fresh debate about student group rivalries and the responsibility of university leadership in fostering a secure and harmonious campus atmosphere.
