The closure of Allahabad University, which was effected for three days from Monday following apprehensions of violence in the wake of action against some student union leaders, has now been extended till February 9.

“The University will remain closed till February 9. Examinations scheduled during this period will be held, though there will be no routine classes,” the University’s Public Relations Officer P. K. Sahoo said in a statement.

Although University authorities were tight-lipped about the reason behind extending the closure, it is being understood that the move follows the inability of the Police Department to deploy additional forces at the campus as desired by the varsity.

The ongoing Maha Kumbh congregation has placed a heavy demand on police deployment and with the two main bathing festivals of Mauni Amavasya (February 10) and Basant Panchmi (February 15) around the corner, diversion of forces for any other purpose seems to be out of the question.

Trouble began on Saturday last when a number of student union leaders barged into the office of the Vice-Chancellor and allegedly assaulted some staff members who prevented them from entering the V-C’s chamber.

An FIR was lodged in this connection a day later.

Following the incident, the University rusticated the Allahabad University Students’ Union president Dinesh Singh Yadav, along with two supporters Ajeet Yadav and Avinash Dubey, while the union’s Vice-President Shalu Yadav has been placed under suspension.

The student union leaders have alleged “irregularities” in admission of research scholars into which an inquiry has been ordered by the University.

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