Patna: A minor altercation on Wednesday night turned ugly leading to a violent clash between boarders of Iqbal and New hostels on Sunday at Patna College.

The clash erupted at the college ground where boarders of Iqbal and New hostels were playing cricket.

Sources said when boarders of both the hostels were playing cricket two inmates had an altercation over a minor issue. The altercation turned violent with boarders from the two hostels attacked each other with wickets and bats. However, police personnel deputed on the campus finally controlled the clash.

Station house officer (SHO) of Pirbahore police station Gulam Sarwar said: "A massive clash between two groups was averted because of prompt action from the police deputed on the campus."

The police had to lathicharge to bring the situation under control. Sarwar said: "No FIRs have been lodged from either sides in this connection."

Students, however, claimed that though the police was quick this time, such incidents in the coming weeks could intensify.

A second-year undergraduate student at Patna College said: "We are afraid such clashes between hostel boarders and outsiders may intensify ahead of Saraswati Puja. Every year ahead of the puja students of Patna College and outsiders clashed over collection of subscription."

Saraswati Puja falls on January 22.

College teacher and Patna University Teachers' Association (Puta) president Randhir Kumar Singh, who is also the superintendent of Patna College hostels, said: "Patna College has decided to tighten security at the college ahead of Saraswati Puja."

The college will request the police for deployment of additional security forces in the area to prevent any untoward incident.

"At the same time we will request the administration to intensify police patrolling and the local police station to stay on alert," said Singh.