The Institute of Technical Education and Research in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 27: The Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) reopened today after being shut for a week, following a clash between two groups of students on September 20.

However, the attendance was visibly thin indicating that normality was yet to be restored on the campus.

Authorities from ITER, however, denied there was anything amiss.

“We had suspended classes on the advice of the police. But the situation was back to normal the very next day (after the clash),” claimed deputy chairman, ITER, B.K. Sharap.

“There was some reaction among the students after the clash but we calmed them down,” he added.

Asked about the low turnout today, Sharap said: “Parents get worried after incidents of violence on campus, and so, do not allow their wards to attend classes until they are assured that all is well. But attendance was about 80 per cent today.”

The students had clashed during the freshers’ party after one group allegedly passed derogatory remarks against the other group on September 20.

The two groups had attacked each other with daggers and sticks.

The incident had left 10 injured and several vehicles damaged.

Sixteen students of the institute were arrested by the Khandagiri police and later granted bail by the sub-divisional judicial magistrate on condition that they would not commit similar offences in future.

They were released on bail after furnishing surety bond worth Rs 20,000.

“The violence forced us to call the police for help but the very next day we pleaded before the judge to let the students go. We don’t want our students to languish in jail,” said Sharap.

The college authorities had suspended classes for the next seven days.

Students who turned up today billed the incident as unfortunate and said that the college should not have been closed down for such a long period.

“It could have been shut for a day of two. Having been closed for a whole week, studies and other activities have been hampered. The incident was unfortunate and we hope no such episodes take place in the future. More students will hopefully join classes in a day or two,” said Meghna, a student.

“The low attendance could be because many students have left for their hometowns in far off places. They will take some time to come back and join,” said Shalini, another student.

No police personnel were seen patrolling on the campus today.