Artefacts worth Rs 55 lakh damaged in campus violence: JMI

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) Jamia Millia Islamia University today said rampaging students destroyed several artefacts, including a rare portrait of Dr Zakir Hussain, and the estimated cost of damage exceeded Rs 55 lakh.

''It is only just been discovered that the students damaged and destroyed a number of artefacts during last Tuesday's violence in the Department of Fine Arts. This includes a rare portrait of Dr Zakir Hussain,'' University spokesperson Rakhshanda Jaleel said.

She said the estimated cost of the damage exceeded Rs 55 lakh.

Jamia Millia Islamia University was closed indefinitely on July 19 after violence in the campus the previous night.

Students reportedly went on rampage and damaged Jamia property on July 18 after an alleged attack on the Students' Union President and two others by the University staff.

The students claimed that University Proctor Rocket Ibrahim, his son Ejas and some unidentified people attacked the three when they tried to meet Vice-Chancellor Mushirul Hassan regarding denial of admission to them.

They also alleged that they were beaten up in the Vice Chancellor's presence.

Prof Hassan has denied the allegations.

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