In a surprise inspection during Music Nite, Institute authorities found several cases of substance abuse among the audience. Following this, professors were stationed outside the Main Auditorium with breathalyzers to check the students leaving the Nite. The English Press Club interviewed the Chief Warden and the Music Club to understand their perspectives on this issue and the actions taken in this regard.

As the Chief Warden was not on campus during the incident, he was only able to provide an account based on what had been reported to him. One student who was found carrying alcohol behaved rudely with the faculty when they insisted on checking his bag. Although several students were caught inebriated during the Nite, no formal action has been taken so far. The Institute will not rush the decision-making process and no disciplinary action has been taken so far, with the Chief Warden emphasising that, ‘Music Nite is only to enjoy music’. In his message to the students, the Chief Warden asked students to enjoy their stay on campus responsibly and indulge in academics and academic-related activities. He also emphasised the role of students in upholding the legacy BITS Pilani has maintained so far.

Elaborating on the incident based on first-hand experience, a representative of Music Club said that some professors raided the area behind the stage of the Auditorium, where they found several empty bottles of alcohol. They also noticed the behaviour of some sections of the audience to be unruly, and upon checking, it was found that some of them had smuggled alcohol into the auditorium in cold-drink bottles. Following this, the professors called for breathalyzers outside the auditorium and caught a few students who were inebriated. ‘There has been no formal dialogue between the club and the Institute after the incident. Hence, the official stance of the Institute is not known’, he said.

Clarifying the club’s point of view, he said that the Music Club does not want people to attend their performances drunk, and they are against any form of substance abuse. ‘We like to play to a sober audience too so that they actually enjoy and appreciate our music,’ he added. The club is ready to accept the suggestions of the Institute to ensure that the audience enjoys the concert without indulging in substance abuse.