VARANASI: The issue of punishment to a college student for chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ took an ugly turn on Monday when four students of the same college in Belthara Road area of Ballia district were allegedly attacked by a group near the college gate. Police force has been deployed in the locality, and the matter is being investigated.According to reports, four students Anuj Narayan Gond, Abhishek, Rajat and Navneet were allegedly attacked with sticks and sharp-edged weapons at around 12:30pm. In his complaint, Anuj alleged that the assailants were raising slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad’. He said that they were attacked because of their statement regarding the slogan issue given on October 5.Ballia district magistrate Bhawani Singh Khangaraot said that it seems to be an act of some anti-social elements to disturb social harmony. Investigation by the district school of inspector revealed that it was a five-year-old incident being raised intentionally, said the DM adding that nothing objectionable was found in DIOS investigation.The administration is keeping a close watch to foil any such attempt, he said adding that the school administration has also been assured security. The police are investigating the incident and would take appropriate action.Recently, Shiv Kumar Jaiswal, a part of organisation Manas Mandir, and others visited the college on Friday after being informed that a class 12th student was punished by a teacher for chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ after National Anthem. He also wrote to the CM urging him to de-recognize the college. However, college principal Majid Nasir refuted the allegation and termed it as baseless and an attempt to malign the schools reputation. The DM had asked DIoS to look into the matter.

Stay updated with all the Varanasi Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.