The Andhra University's decision to close its main gates after 11pm has been criticised by local residents in Vizag, after people living in Maddilapalem and nearby areas have said that they have to take a long detour.
The New Indian Express reported that late night commuters, including people who work in late night shifts, are forced to travel 4 km more in alternate routes to reach home.
"Everyday, I take AU campus road to return home from Siripuram late in the night. The university road is almost a km. But, with the gates being closed after 11pm now, I am forced to travel 4 km more in an alternative route to reach Maddilapalem. The decision might have enabled the authorities to keep the campus in order, but it is putting the late night commuters into inconvenience,” Chandra Sekhar, a local resident told TNIE.
Last week, the University had stepped up its security, stating that students have to enter the campus only through the AU main gate, with their ID proof, while also limiting access of outsiders on campus.
This came a few days after six engineering students were suspended from the varsity for allegedly taking drugs in the campus hostel.
This included three students who were in their final year, who were caught red-handed by security guards.
The university also stated that one of the students was heavily drugged, and he even tried to enter the girl's hostel after allegedly causing a ruckus.
When TNM had contacted AU registrar V Umamaheswara Rao at the time, asking if it was a cause of concern, he said, "Now and then, we do get some reports of students consuming drugs. However, this is the first time that we have caught them red-handed. It is alarming."
"They are misusing the freedom that we give them. The youngsters are getting diverted from the education, to try and find short term happiness," he added.
As of now, the varsity administration has stated that people can still use the campus road after 11pm, if they show an id proof to the security.