Allahabad: Scores of students in Allahabad on Friday staged a massive protest against sudden hike in rent of their rooms.
Students alleged that the owner of Maurya lodge hiked rent without any prior notification.
When students attempted to hold dialogues, the owner threatened to call the police. This led students to a massive demonstration across the city.
According to reports, students blocked roads, many shops and vehicles were vandalised and set on fire.
Students pelted stones at Maurya lodge and several houses in the vicinity.
Police said that they also set Maurya lodge owner's home on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that there was also a scuffle between the police and students.
“Thousands of students stay here on rent. They flock to Allahabad for higher education... At present, there is no law related to the fixation of rent in the city... Landlords increase rent on own due to which students protest here often,” a police official said.
Irate students later ransacked a police station in Allenganj area of the city, the officer added.
