NIFD students flunk Sena test

Amit Raithatha, the manager of Chouki Dhani, said: ‘‘Around 10 pm, a mob ransacked the place due to which the resort incurred a loss of Rs 77,000. They were wearing saffron scarves and held saffron flags and were shouting Jai Shivaji and Jai Shiv Sena.’’

According to investigating officer B.J. Ramethi, the arrested Sena men were residents of Paddhari and Rajkot. NIFD director Nitin Patel said it was an annual fashion show by students of the Rajkot branch. And dresses designed by them were presented by models so that students get a platform for future. ‘‘But the show was interrupted by the organisation even before it could start. For security reasons, it had to be cancelled.’’

Patel said the mob first went to the resort’s discotheque and then entered the specially-designed ramp. The models, students and staff of NIFD were present there and the mob’s violent behaviour led to total chaos at the venue. He said they had a tough time protecting the 14 models from Mumbai. ‘‘We shifted them to a hut at the resort and then sent them to Rajkot under police protection,’’ Patel said.

He said that apart from damage to the venue, the incident dampened the spirit of aspiring designers. ‘‘We tried to reason with them that the students’ creativity needs to be displayed. But they refused to understand,’’ Patel said.