54 students of IIIT Nuzvid in Andhra Pradesh were suspended on Monday, after an enquiry found them guilty of ragging juniors on the college campus.
Several junior students at the university suffered injuries last month after seniors allegedly attacked them at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT) campus.
Addressing media persons, officials said that 24 senior students were identified as the main perpetrators, and were being suspended for three semesters. Fifteen students were being disqualified from writing examinations for one semester, while 12 students were being suspended for the sixth semester. Two final-year students were also suspended for the final semester.
Officials also pointed out that this was the first time in the institute's history, that action was being taken against so many students, at the same time.
The Special Committee to investigate the event, was appointed by Director Veeranki Venkata Dasu.
Speaking to The Hindu, the Director said, "The action is with immediate effect. The committee’s report has been sent to the government and intimation has been given to the accused students as well as their parents...We will not allow ragging, teasing and any kind of indiscipline on the campus. Students are requested to focus on their academics and not to spoil their lives and damage the reputation of the institute."
The entire incident began after juniors had reportedly objected to loud music being played at the college's Ganesh pandal and complained that the seniors had harassed some girl students.
According to reports, the seniors confined 12 juniors to a hostel room, and assaulted them physically.
Following the incident, both junior and seniors held protests and counter-protests on campus, with one group demanding action, and the other group claiming that they were innocent.
When the incident came to light, state HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao took serious note of the matter and directed the Vice-Chancellor to take strict action against the senior students.
Meanwhile, police told media persons that they had not registered a case, as the college management did not file a complaint with them.
They also expressed confidence in the administration's internal process to resolve the matter.