Kolkata: Two female students have been expelled from Presidency University for writing abusive words on an ABVP banner bearing Swami Vivekananda’s image. They have also been barred from admission to any future degree programme at the university.One is a gold medal-winning postgraduate student, while the other has recently cleared her PG exams but remains involved in “post-studentship” academic activities.The incident occurred on Oct 13, and ABVP-affiliated students lodged a complaint the following day, demanding action. The university formed a five-member inquiry committee comprising professors on Oct 14 to “examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days.”An official said, “After careful consideration of the CCTV footage and hearing different stakeholders of the university, the inquiry committee could ascertain that two students were involved in writing abusive words on the poster of another organisation carrying the portrait of Swami Vivekananda. Accordingly, the students have been expelled from the university. It has also been decided that they won’t be allowed to take admission to any future degree programmes in this university.”The panel first met on Oct 27 and submitted its report on Nov 3. “The direction of the competent authority on the report was accorded on Nov 5. The letters have been sent to the two students,” an official said. Sources said the expelled students belonged to a long-established campus organisation, not a right-wing outfit.Registrar Debajyoti Konar said, “Presidency University always stood for dignified academic discourse and debate on different scientific and socio-political issues. The university is not in a position to tolerate any abuse to any thinkers or ideas or organizations.”ABVP members said the banner, installed near the arts library in July, was intact until Oct 13 afternoon but was found defaced around 6.30 pm. They reportedly told the panel they had seen two female students writing on it but could not identify them.In a joint statement, SFI, RSF, AISA and AIDSO denied organisational involvement, condemned vandalism and demanded a probe.ABVP unit president Mridul Banik said, “Vivekananda is revered by people all over the world. Yet, he has been disrespected in his own college. The Leftist student organisations made two innocent students commit such a despicable act. It is deeply unfortunate that two innocent students have been punished today due to the vile mentality and actions of these Leftist organisations.”SFI unit president Ushashree Mitra said, “We have condemned the incident and anyone who had done this should be punished. But a punitive measure should not cost two students’ academic future.”RSF unit convener Antik Sankar Majumder said, “We are against this vindictive punishment. Just because ABVP’s mother organisation is in power, students cannot be expelled for putting forward their political views.” AIDSO unit secretary Debanjan Das said, “Punishment should definitely be given but such extreme punitive measure is not desirable. The authority should rethink.”
