What began as a student protest against a steep hike in college fees in Barmer took an unexpected turn when a comment aimed at the district administration’s public image went viral, pulling one of Rajasthan’s most high-profile civil servants (Tina Dabi) into the centre of a local storm.
The incident unfolded outside Multanmal Bhikhchand Chhajed Women’s College, where students, along with two leaders linked to the ABVP, were protesting against a fee increase. Police later arrested the two student leaders and took them to the Kotwali police station, citing concerns over public order.
Students protesting against what they described as an inaccessible and unresponsive college administration accused officials of prioritizing public outreach over addressing campus grievances. During a heated exchange, some protesters referred to District Collector Tina Dabi as a “reel star” rather than a “role model”, a comment meant to criticise what they saw as an overemphasis on social media presence.
The remark, captured on a mobile phone and widely shared online, quickly overshadowed the core demand of rolling back increased fees, triggering a broader debate over respect for public office and the tone of student dissent
As the video spread, police detained several student leaders, prompting more protesters to gather outside the local police station. Students alleged the detentions were excessive and aimed at silencing democratic protest, while police maintained the action was preventive, taken to avoid further escalation.
By evening, tensions had risen sharply, with sloganeering and accusations that the police were acting under administrative pressure. The episode highlighted how quickly campus protests can spill into public spaces once amplified by viral content.
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