Sasaram: A student was critically wounded and police fired several rounds to disperse intermediate examinees who went on the rampage indulging in arson at Sadar hospital, post office and the collectorate in Sasaram, protesting against the strict measures taken by Rohtas district administration in Bihar to prevent use of unfair means.

The students ransacked the S P Jain college, fought pitched battle with police and indulged in arson as the exam started, official sources said.

Police fired several rounds in self-defence when lathicharge failed to control the students who indulged in stone throwing. A student, who suffered head injury in the firing, was referred to a hospital in Varanasi, the sources said.

The agitated students later stormed the Sadar hospital, a post office and district collectorate and set furniture and files on fire. Around 12 employees suffered minor injuries in the attack. They also burnt six Government vehicles.

The situation in the town was stated to be tense but under control. Police patrolling has been intensified after the incidents.

Intermediate examinees had yesterday (Feb 9, 2004) ransacked examination centres, indulging in arson at Nalanda College and making an attempt to throw an additional collector into a blazing jeep in Biharsharief to protest against strict measures taken by the district administration.