Chidambaram: Annamalai University, with a legacy spanning over a century, is facing severe maintenance issues, leaving its vast campus shrouded in darkness at night.

The Tamil Nadu government took over the university in 2013 following a severe financial crisis caused by administrative irregularities.

Subsequently, over 5,000 employees and faculty members were relocated to various government colleges and departments across the state.

Since the government's takeover, maintenance efforts have dwindled, leaving many century-old buildings in a state of neglect.

Most notably, the absence of proper lighting has plunged the campus into darkness after sundown, raising serious safety concerns. The poorly lit environment has sparked fears of anti-social activities, posing risks to students residing in the university hostels.

Academics and students have urged the government to address the issue urgently by installing streetlights and restoring campus infrastructure to ensure safety and preserve the institution's historic buildings.