India, April 11 -- What began as a high-energy opening to Saptarang '26, the annual cultural fest of Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh Evening College (SBSEC), took an abrupt turn on Monday when a performance was halted mid-way. During a dance and music segment, Faridabad-based artiste Amandeep Mudhar, 28, was stopped on stage by a college staff member, who took away his microphone and objected to his attire, stating, "Humare college mein nanga naach nahin hoga!"

The interruption was followed by Vande Mataram being played on the speakers, followed by the immediate cancellation of day 1 of the fest. All attending students were asked to vacate the premises, leaving them shocked, as the event had been anticipated for weeks. While the ...