Kolkata's Presidency University expels two students over defacement of Swami Vivekananda poster
The two students have been barred from participating in further academic activities at the university.
- ✓The two students have been barred from participating in further academic activities at the university.
- ✓Primary Authority: Official communique verified from Hindustan Times India.
- ✓Civic Domain: Categorized under education public notices.
Presidency University has expelled two female students for allegedly writing abusive remarks on a poster having a photo of Swami Vivekananda and using derogatory language against other organisations, a university official said on Saturday.
The ABVP lodged a police complaint seeking an impartial investigation and action against those responsible. (Representative Image/PTI)The decision was taken after an inquiry committee examined CCTV footage and heard from various stakeholders, he said.
Also Read | Those indulging in dharna, hunger strike in educational institutes liable to be ‘expelled': HC The two students have been barred from participating in further academic activities at the university and will not be eligible for admission to any future degree programme at the institution, the official told PTI.
In a statement, the university said it has always upheld dignified academic discourse and debate on scientific and socio-political issues, adding that it would not tolerate abuse directed at thinkers, ideas or organisations.
The controversy began after the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged that a poster carrying a photo of Swami Vivekananda, put up by the organisation on the university campus on October 13, was defaced with derogatory remarks.
The ABVP subsequently lodged a police complaint seeking an impartial investigation and action against those responsible. It also staged a protest outside the university gate. Also Read | 5 MP students expelled for assaulting PG student from Assam; police probing racial angle Meanwhile, the Left-affiliated Students' Federation of India (SFI) denied any involvement in the incident.
The organisation condemned the alleged defacement and said no Left organisation had initiated or participated in an act insulting Swami Vivekananda. The SFI also said it did not intend to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and demanded an investigation based on CCTV footage, along with action against those found responsible.
Also Read | Ambedkar statue defaced in Uttarakhand's Pauri, case registered The university has not disclosed the identities of the two expelled students.
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| Issuing Authority | Hindustan Times India |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | EDUCATION |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 7 November 2026 |