Hit by Bharat Bandh, several Rajasthan University students reach late, not allowed to sit in exams

Jaipur: The Bharat Bandh called by several Dalit organisations against the alleged "dilution" of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has left several Rajasthan University students missing their exams on Monday.

According to reports, a large number of students, who were supposed to appear for their exams during the time slot from 11 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm, were denied permission to write their test for reaching their respective examination centres much late.

In the wake of a nationwide bandh called on Monday, the transport services were badly affected due to which many students failed to reach their exam centres on time. As per reports, students coming from far-flung areas were hit the most since they found it extremely difficult to reach on time as the buses weren’t running according to the timetable.

Not only the students but many invigilators too failed to reach the exam centres on time. 

The students will now have to appear for their exam the next year.

Despite protests, CBSE Class 10th French and Sanskrit examination were conducted on Monday morning. 

Many parents chose to drop their wards to the venue themselves instead of relying on public transport due to the shutdown called by the Dalit outfits.

According to PTI, one person was killed and many others injured in violent protests that erupted across Rajasthan during a nationwide bandh against the alleged "dilution" of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on Monday.

Protesters, shouting 'Jai Bhim', blocked roads and rail routes, forcibly shut down shops, pelted stones, vandalised public property, torched several vehicles, and even attacked police in several parts of the state.

Over 150 people were detained across Rajasthan for alleged involvement in the violence, government officials said. 

''More than 75 civilians and over 70 police personnel were injured in the violence,'' Additional Director General of Police (law and order) NRK Reddy told PTI.

Tension prevailed in Sikar, Bikaner, Barmer, Bharatpur, Jodhpur, Bhilwara, Hindaun, Gangapur and other areas where police and protesters came face to face. In several instances police personnel had to fire tear gas shells, cane-charge and even fire at the mob to defuse the situation, officials claimed.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC were imposed in Bikaner, Barmer, Sikar, Jalore and Ahore while internet services were suspended in 12 districts as a precautionary measure.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony, saying the central government was committed to securing the rights of SC/STs.

(With PTI inputs)