CHENNAI: The ongoing tussle between students and management of Sairam Engineering College worsened on Sunday after hostel inmates staged a hunger strike and then went on a rampage breaking furniture.

Students had demanded removal of campus in-charge Baalu from all positions. They alleged that Baalu had physically and verbally abused some of the students.

“But the management tried to force the hostelites sign a petition in favour of Baalu,” a student said. “When they didn’t sign it, the management cut power and water supply for the last two days. They also cut the internet connection. Goons hired by the college management attacked 10 boys on Saturday night. The hostelities were fed up with all these and got violent,” he said.

The management reportedly held a meeting with parents of third and fourth year students staying in the hostel. “They have asked students to go away from the hostel and stay with their local guardians in the city so that they can attend classes,” another student said. “They also told the parents that Baalu will remain in the college. There are around 25 thugs in the college manning every floor,” he said.

The management said all issues have been sorted out. “We had a parent-teacher meeting on Sunday at 1pm and solved have all the problems,” a member of the college’s faculty said. “Parents are happy and have agreed to follow the management’s instructions. Hostel occupants have been asked to vacate but they can return tomorrow.” The professor also denied charges of cutting power supply. “The allegations are false. There was a one- hour power cut on Saturday. Under no situation will we cut power or water,” he said.