He said it was an extension of ragging that had led to second year students having attacked first year Tamil and Muslim students of the faculty.

The administration is taking action against the attackers, he has told BBC Sandeshaya.

A Tamil student who declined to identify himself said he had repeatedly been harassed by the seniors, as they had been angry that he had not attended discussions called by them.

Several students injured in the incident were admitted to hospital, he said.

Dr. Banneheka said the identified attackers have been suspended pending the completion of the investigation into the incident.