Three students expelled from institute for 'anti-nationalism' in Chennai

Three students of Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) operating under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports at Sriperumbudur claimed that the institution had indiscriminately rusticated them on the grounds of vandalizing hostel property with "content of an anti-national" character.

Aslam S, Sayeedh M A, and Nahal Ibnu Abullaise were in second and final year of Master of Social Work (MSW) at the institute and were to appear for their final exam on Monday.

But they were issued rustication letters on Sunday, debarred them from the institute and expelled them from hostel.

Institute officials could not be contacted for comment until late Monday evening. Calls and messages to institute Director Subrata Hazra and Disciplinary Committee Chairperson S Suresh remained unanswered.

Students accused the institute of having "planned" the incident.

Students targeted for stir against staff: Rusticated students

The students further added that this was done to prevent them from writing the exam. "We have been targeted by the administration for leading a recent protest demanding the resignation of a senior administrative staff against whom sexual harassment charges have been leveled," Nahal informed TNIE.

As per Nahal, on 22 May, some hostel administrators saw the words "Free Palestine" and "Jai Bhim" scrawled on the hostel wall, after which they inspected the hostel. Nahal argued, however, that the inspection was of only a few rooms on one floor.

While admitting that they have seen some beer bottles and colours of fabrics in their room, Nahal accused the authorities of immediately concluding and acting against the three and another four students in the room.

While the three were rusticated immediately, the remaining four were hostelished out but permitted to take the exam. The three letters issued to them stated that the institute authority viewed very seriously their participation in "gross misconduct on the hostel campus — namely, defacement of hostel property with material of an anti-national character".

Pointing out that the opportunity to put forth their case was provided to the students on Friday, the letters nevertheless stated taking into account the material evidence and overall situation "the Disciplinary Committee is of the considered view that there is sufficient ground to conclude his involvement in the defacement of hostel property with objectionable content".

The three, who absolutely refuted any role in the writing or placing of slogans on the hostel premises, stated in a joint statement that they are considering to approach the HC against the order. "Using words like "anti-national" is defamatory, and hugely harmful to our futures", the students stated.

"Throughout the inquiry, the disciplinary committee's members never asked me anything regarding the slogans. I don't know how 'Jai Bhim' and 'Free Palestine' are anti-national," said Nahal.

The students, in the statement, asserted that there was no evidence of violence, disruption, or any illegal behavior on their part that would warrant such extreme charges and maintained that the disciplinary process was "biased and unjust". The students insisted that re-examination be done for them.