Question papers for fourth-semester Biotechnology examination reportedly stolen from Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya; police register FIR and university launches inquiry

Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) has launched an internal inquiry after sealed packets containing question papers for the fourth-semester Biotechnology examination were allegedly stolen from the university campus, forcing authorities to postpone an examination scheduled for nearly 200 students.

According to university officials, the missing papers were kept inside nine sealed envelopes meant for the Biotechnology fourth-semester examination. The incident came to light before the examination on Friday, leading the university to defer the test at the last moment to prevent any possibility of a paper leak.

Following the incident, RGPV Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alok Sharma issued a show-cause notice to Exam Controller Dr. Archana Tiwari, seeking an explanation within five days regarding the security lapse. The university has also constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft and recommend accountability.

Police have registered an FIR and begun a criminal investigation into the case. Officers are examining whether the theft was carried out by outsiders or involved individuals with access to the university premises.

Broken washroom window raises security concerns

Preliminary findings suggest that while the main gate of the School of Biotechnology remained locked, investigators found a broken window in a washroom, which is suspected to have been used as the entry point by the intruders.

Officials said the room where the examination papers were stored contained 12 cupboards. Surprisingly, the cupboard containing the sealed question papers was found unlocked, while other security arrangements appeared to remain intact.

The incident has also exposed shortcomings in campus surveillance. According to the initial inquiry, no CCTV cameras were installed inside the strong room where the examination papers were kept, making it difficult to immediately identify the culprits or reconstruct the sequence of events.

University authorities believe the broken washroom window may have been used to gain access to the building, though investigators are examining all possible angles before reaching a conclusion.

University assures strict action

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alok Sharma stated that the university would take strict action against anyone found responsible for compromising the integrity of the examination process.

He confirmed that the internal inquiry team has begun collecting evidence while the police investigation is proceeding simultaneously. Officials are reviewing security protocols for the storage and handling of confidential examination material to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The postponed Biotechnology examination is expected to be rescheduled after fresh question papers are prepared and necessary security measures are implemented.

The case has once again raised concerns over examination security at higher educational institutions, with students urging authorities to ensure that such incidents do not affect academic schedules or compromise the credibility of university examinations.

Guards allege they receive only ₹7,400 despite university paying agency over ₹15,000 per guard; PF irregularities, fake attendance records surface

Security personnel at Awadhesh Pratap Singh University in Rewa staged a dharna outside the Registrar's office on Monday, alleging economic exploitation, wage irregularities and threats of termination. They were supported by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), which joined the protest and demanded immediate action.

The guards claimed that while the university pays the security agency more than ₹15,000 per guard, they receive only around ₹7,400 per month. They also alleged that Provident Fund (PF) contributions are being deposited in amounts lower than promised at the time of recruitment.

Questions raised over payment and staff count

During the protest, questions were also raised regarding the number of security personnel and the payments being made. It was alleged that while 35 to 36 security guards are currently working at the university, payments are being processed for 50 personnel. The protesters demanded a fair investigation into the matter.

"At the time of recruitment, we were assured that PF would be deposited properly. But the amounts being credited to our accounts are much less than what was promised," a security guard said.

Attendance register irregularities

The protesters also alleged that the attendance register has been tampered with. They claimed that records have been manipulated and some records are not available at all, raising serious questions about the attendance and payment process.

NSUI leaders who were present at the protest demanded a high-level inquiry into the financial irregularities and exploitation of workers. They warned that if action is not taken soon, the protest will be intensified.

Agency assures investigation

During the dharna, discussions were held with the security agency's supervisor, security officer and field in-charge. Officials said the matter has been brought to the attention of the company management. The company owner, during a telephonic conversation, assured that an investigation would be conducted and action would be taken on the wage-related complaints.

Police present at the spot assured the protesters that the complaints would be investigated and necessary action would be taken.

NSUI and the security guards have warned that if a probe is not conducted and the guilty are not punished soon, the movement will be escalated further.

The administration of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore has identified 18 students allegedly involved in vandalism and misconduct inside an engineering hostel of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). The action comes after videos showing semi-nude students dancing and damaging hostel property went viral on social media platforms. University officials said notices will be issued collectively after identification of all students allegedly involved in the incident is completed. Authorities have also decided to temporarily stop final-year students linked to the incident from appearing in their last examinations until the inquiry is completed.

Chaos Inside IET Hostel

The incident took place at Ramanujan Boys Hostel-B of the IET department under DAVV in Indore. According to university officials, final-year students allegedly created chaos inside the hostel premises during a late-night gathering. Videos circulating online showed students dancing in a semi-nude condition to loud music and allegedly engaging in vandalism inside the hostel building. The visuals also showed damaged hostel furniture, broken glass windows and destruction of other property inside the premises.

Property Damaged During Incident

University sources said chairs, tables and window panes were damaged during the incident. A plastic water storage tank inside the hostel was also reportedly broken.

The incident triggered criticism after videos spread widely on social media, drawing attention to indiscipline and alleged misconduct inside the university hostel. Following the viral circulation of the videos, university authorities initiated disciplinary proceedings and began identifying the students involved.

18 Students Identified

IET Director Dr. Pratosh Bansal confirmed that 18 students have already been identified in connection with the hostel vandalism case. He said efforts are underway to identify other students visible in the videos before issuing formal notices. According to officials, action will primarily target students directly involved in vandalism and destruction of university property rather than those merely present during the incident. Authorities indicated that the identification process could take another two to three days because several students are seen in the footage.

Strict Action Planned

The university’s disciplinary committee held an emergency meeting after the videos surfaced online. During the meeting, officials discussed multiple disciplinary measures against students found guilty. According to university sources, a penalty of Rs 25,000 per student may be imposed on those involved in the vandalism. Officials also stated that some final-year students may temporarily be barred from appearing in their final examinations and their results could be withheld pending completion of the inquiry. The university administration said examinations would be conducted only after disciplinary proceedings and verification processes are completed.

Parents Yet To Respond

Officials said that despite the seriousness of the matter, no parent of the identified students had approached the university administration till Wednesday. Authorities are expected to issue notices to both students and guardians once the identification process is completed. The administration has also reviewed hostel security and monitoring arrangements following the incident.

Inquiry Continues At Hostel

University officials said the inquiry is focused on determining the exact role of each student visible in the viral videos. The administration clarified that disciplinary action would be based on evidence collected from video footage, witness statements and hostel records. Sources indicated that around 150 students currently reside in the hostel where the incident occurred. Officials are also assessing the financial loss caused by the damage to hostel infrastructure and common facilities.

Incident Sparks Debate

The DAVV hostel vandalism case has triggered discussion over discipline and supervision in university hostels, particularly during farewell gatherings and late-night celebrations involving final-year students. Several students and parents have also raised concerns regarding hostel monitoring systems and preventive measures inside educational institutions.