Bhubaneswar, May 24: A group of students belonging to Dhaneswar Rath Institute of Engineering and Management Studies (DRIEMS) today launched a hunger strike, protesting against the fine imposed on 150 students of the institute for vandalising the college on April 20.

The fine ranges between Rs 8,000 and Rs 50,000. A total of nine students, who were directly involved in the incident, have even been debarred from one semester.

“We have been punished for no fault of ours. The fine amount is too high for our families. The college is playing with our future,” said Vikash, a student.

The institute, located at Tangi around 20km from Cuttack, was declared closed indefinitely on April 20 following students’ unrest on the campus.

Tension had erupted after a group of second and third-year students went on rampage on the campus after the college management did not consider their request of holding morning classes. Class representatives of various batches had approached the authorities to shift the academic schedule of BTech (6th semester) from 10.30am to 5pm to 8am to 2.30pm.

The students destroyed furniture in various classrooms, LCD television sets, air-conditioners, cars, college buses and other equipment at the guesthouse and principal’s office. Two security guards had also sustained injuries in the attack.