– Mita Mukherjee

Presidency University, Kolkata, has expelled two female students for writing the word “rapist” on an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) poster carrying a portrait of Swami Vivekananda. The university has also barred them from seeking admission to any of its degree programmes in the future, an official said.

The two students, whose academic records were described as outstanding, were expelled following an inquiry into the incident. The university official told EducationWorld that the inquiry committee recommended expulsion, considering the “gravity” of the offence.

“Writing this very word ‘rapist’ on a banner showing the image of Swami Vivekananda is unbecoming of Presidency students. Both the students are brilliant. But we had no other option,” the official said.

University authorities declined to disclose details of the students’ academic records, citing concerns about their future prospects. However, sources said one of them had won a gold medal in her postgraduate programme, while the other had recently completed her postgraduate examinations. The latter continues to be associated with some academic activities at the university in recognition of her performance, an official said.

ABVP members first lodged a complaint on October 13, demanding strict action against those responsible for writing the word “rapist” on the poster. The university constituted a five-member inquiry committee on October 14. The committee held its first meeting on October 27 and submitted its report on November 3. The university decided to expel the students on November 5 and issued the expulsion notice on Friday evening.

The committee had been asked to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days.

Debajyoti Konar of Presidency University told EducationWorld that the institution had always upheld dignified academic discourse and debate on scientific and socio-political issues and would not tolerate abuse directed at thinkers, ideas or organisations.

“After carefully examining the CCTV footage and hearing different stakeholders of the university, the inquiry committee ascertained that two students were involved in writing abusive words on the poster carrying the portrait of Swami Vivekananda, as well as using abusive language concerning other organisations,” he said.

He added that the two students had been expelled from the university’s studentship and barred from participating in its post-studentship academic activities. They would also not be eligible for admission to any future degree programme at the university.

Neelkantha Bhattacharjee, state secretary of ABVP, welcomed the university’s decision, saying Vivekananda was revered as a youth icon across the country. He said the organisation supported the expulsion order.

Left-affiliated student organisations, including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Revolutionary Students’ Front (RSF), All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), denied involvement in the incident. They condemned it and called for a further investigation.

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