PUNE: In the student hostel of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), suddenly, without any prior warning, the rooms of the students were ransacked at night.  Many girls had their lockers broken and were at the receiving end of abusive language. Due to this, a palpable pall of fear has sheathed the student community which is underscored by building resentment and anger. 

During winters, the students do not have any facility to heat water in the hostel, so the students use devices like kettles and iron plates to heat water. In the past, many times, the students have complained to the university to make arrangements for hot water. However, no facility has been provided by the university yet. During the surprise raid last night, several heating devices of the students were seized.

So many female students shinned over the wall in the dark and threw their inventory  to their friends, the all night raid was perceived as life-threatening. No formal notice was made before the raid.

The  Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has already demanded a “shared kitchen” from the administration. According to the ABVP, "When the temperature drops, it becomes imperative for the students to heat water. 

Therefore, until the university administration provides public kitchen facilities in the hostel for the female student population."

Furthermore, the spot check raids should be stopped forthwith and all the heating devices confiscated from the students should be returned immediately.  Otherwise, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has threatened a widespread agitation.