Gangtok, Aug. 20 -- A controversy erupted at Sikkim University after a student from Uttar Pradesh allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Nepali language and community in a department WhatsApp group.

The student, identified as Raj Shekar Sarkar from Varanasi, reportedly referred to Nepali as a "foreign country's language" and suggested that those wishing to use it should "go to Nepal."

The remarks were posted on August 14 in the official WhatsApp group of the university's Commerce department, which includes both students and faculty members.

The comments sparked outrage among students, prompting demands for Sarkar's expulsion. Following complaints, Sikkim Police placed him in preventive custody under sections 196(1) and 353(2) of t...