New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Presidency University has expelled two students from studentship and post-studentship academic activities after an inquiry committee found them writing abusive words on a poster carrying the portrait of Swami Vivekananda and using abusive language about other organisations.

The committee examined CCTV footage and heard statements from various university stakeholders before arriving at its findings, according to an official statement issued by the authorities.

Both students are women, university sources said. One is currently pursuing postgraduation, while the other is a former student. The university has barred both from admission to any future degree programme, while the former student has also been prohibited from entering the campus.

"Presidency University has 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 of any thinker, idea or organisation," said Debjyoti Konar, Registrar of Presidency University.

The row began after the ABVP alleged that a poster of Swami Vivekananda, put up on campus on October 13, had been defaced with derogatory remarks. The organisation lodged a police complaint seeking an impartial probe and action against those responsible, and staged a protest outside the university's main gate. The university constituted a five-member inquiry committee on October 14.

The SFI questioned the proportionality of the disciplinary action. Its Presidency University unit said it did not endorse the alleged act but argued that disciplinary measures should be corrective rather than punitive. It also denied the involvement of Left-wing student organisations, maintaining that the inquiry had not found any SFI members involved.

The ABVP welcomed the university's decision. Its West Bengal state media in-charge Ananta Barui said educational institutions had a responsibility to prevent what he described as anti-India activities and warned that the organisation would oppose any recurrence.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.