Jamshedpur, Aug. 28: Around 400 students of RVS College of Engineering and Technology at Edalbera, around 15km from the steel city, today blocked the main gate after an altercation with the college authorities.

Police brought the situation under control.

Trouble started when a group of 10 students came half-an-hour late for their classes. After they reached the college at 9.30am, the principal of the college, M.P. Singh, asked them to go back home.

A fourth-year student Arun Kumar Singh protested against the punishment and a heated discussion followed. Agitated students then blocked the main gate. The college staff and some students remained locked inside till 4pm.

The students alleged that the principal used foul language and threatened them with dire consequences.

They refused to lift the blockade giving the college staff and students inside a harrowing time for almost six hours.

“We want the students to be disciplined. The institute would not tolerate students missing out and being late for classes. We would not com-promise on discipline. The ruckus was created a group of students only which was joined by some students,” said Singh.

The students have decided to continue their strike till the principal is removed from his post. Students demanded direct interaction with the higher authorities of the college to inform them of the problems created by the principal.

“Why would a principal use such foul language against students? We come from good families and the college authorities should maintain decorum. We have been fined for trifle matters in the past. If we are late on one day we have to pay Rs 100 and for the second day Rs 250. This is no way to enforce discipline,” said a student, on condition of anonymity.

“This is an engineering college where we have to enforce discipline to make the environment conducive for academics. We tried to fine the students but they did not men their ways. So we thought of sending the students back home if this change their attitude. We have to act stern with them,” said Singh.

After today’s ruckus, the college have decided to act stern against Arun and Vivek Kumar Jaiswal, both students of fourth year, who had instigated students to put up the blockade.

The students would not be allowed to sit for their exam for two years.