Northeast students, local girls clash at Andhra college over missing phone; sticks, bucket, slippers used - VIDEO

A dispute over an missing mobile phone escalated into a violent clash between Northeast and local students at a nursing college in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada late on Saturday (Aug 22). The incident took place at SK College of Nursing in Kakinada after a mobile phone belonging to a Northeast student was reportedly found missing on August 21 while it was charging. The clash began after a tracking app located the device within the premises, leading to speculation that it was allegedly stolen by a student. When Northeast students demanded to know the thief, it led to a heated confrontation with local students. Authorities intervened but Northeast students accused the college management of "institutional bias." It soon escalated to a point where local girls gheraoed the hostel rooms occupied by Northeast students, barricaded them. Videos also show confrontation in which slippers, bucket are thrown at the students while some reports claimed that sticks were also used by both sides.

What the administration said?

The situation was brought under control after senior authorities including the police department intervened and relocated the Northeast students to separate accommodation. The hostel authorities approached the the District Collector and Superintendent of Police after some Northeast students were reportedly injured during the confrontation. The students also reportedly sought shelter inside the hostel amid the tension. Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh also reacted to the matter on social media and requested Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu to look into the matter.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident and directed senior officials to resolve the matter immediately. Acting on his instructions, the District Collector and SP ensured the students' safety, arranged accommodation and took steps to prevent further escalation. Students from Manipur thanked the authorities for their intervention and the arrangements made for their safety. N Biren Singh also thanked CM Naidu for his "kind and timely intervention", saying the prompt response to ensure the students' safety and well-being was appreciated.