Bhubaneswar, Oct. 21 -- What was meant to be a night of lights and celebration turned chaotic outside the main gate of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar. On Diwali night, hundreds of youngsters gathered along the public road running through the campus of the institution managed by former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta and indulged in a reckless fireworks display that soon spiralled out of control.

Videos that have since gone viral on social media show large groups of youths bursting crackers dangerously close to traffic and buildings. The situation worsened when flames reportedly caught hold of roadside trees, creating panic among onlookers. Despite the obvious risks, the celebrations continued for several hours wi...