Videos of a cultural event at the Ranchi Polytechnic College in Jharkhand have sparked a row after they allegedly showed dancers performing during a Janmashtami function on campus Saturday.
The programme, allegedly held with the involvement of the students’ union, included an “arkestra (a distortion of orchestra)”.
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On Monday, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) submitted a memorandum to the college authorities seeking action against those responsible for the “obscene” dance performances. “Such vulgarity in an educational institution is unacceptable. This is not our culture, nor does it represent Krishna Janmashtami,” Disha Ditya, a central working committee member of the ABVP who led the delegation.
The organisation alleged that dancers were brought in from outside, and that non-teaching staff were present during the programme.
“Despite clear video evidence, the principal claimed he was unaware of the incident,” Ditya said.
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Another ABVP member, Tushar Dubey, alleged that students were seen smoking and consuming alcohol inside the campus while watching the performance. “They were not just dancing; students were also drinking and smoking while watching the dance and showering cash on the dancers. What have they turned this temple of education into?” he asked.
The group alleged that when they objected, nearly 200 students — including some former students still staying in hostels — attacked them.
“When I confronted them, they abused us, pushed us, pelted us with stones and manhandled me… They also tried to knock over an almirah inside the vice-chancellor’s chamber. If police weren’t present, things could have gone worse,” she said.
The ABVP later staged a protest, demanding action against students as well as authorities.
Addressing the media, the college principal in charge M A Rehman denied knowledge of such an event. “We neither knew of this, nor do we permit or promote such acts. However, I will inform the administration and probe it,” he said, adding that an internal inquiry will be conducted first.
The organisation alleged that dancers were brought in from outside, and that non-teaching staff were present during the programme. (Screengrab) 
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