In the wake of the violence, the district administration issued instructions for declaring holidays from tomorrow till October 2 in all colleges and universities in Varanasi.
Police also detained 16 students who refused to end their dharna against the police action.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and former parliamentarian Punia were stopped near Gilat Bazar by police when they were on their way to meet the protesting BHU students, a police officer said.
Many Congress workers sat on a dharna on the road after the leaders were detained, blocking traffic movement.
More From This Section
A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in lathicharge by the police in BHU which witnessed violence last night, in an ugly turn to a protest against an alleged eve-teasing incident.
Some policemen were also injured in the clashes during which students indulged in arson, police sources said.
The security guards of the university stopped them and the police was informed, according to the University sources.
BHU spokesperson said some students wanted to "forcibly" enter the VC's residence but they were stopped by the security guards of the university.
Subsequently, there was stone pelting by "outsiders" who had joined the students.
Police used lathicharge to control the situation.
The police officer said three FIRs have been registered on the matter at Lanka police station.