Chennai: Three students of Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development suspended over ‘Jai Bhim', ‘Free Palestine' graffiti
Three students of the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) have been rusticated and barred from writing semester exams this year for allegedly defacing the hostel walls with graffiti. Slogans 'Free Palestine' and 'Jai Bhim' were apparently written on the walls last week.
An order from the institute stated that disciplinary action was initiated following the findings of a committee. The students belong to the second year of Master of Social Work programme. The order said a student was involved 'in gross misconduct within the hostel premises, specifically, the defacement of hostel property with content of an anti-national nature'. The student was given an opportunity to present his case before the committee on May 23.
But the committee ruled that there was sufficient ground to conclude that he was involved. He was asked to vacate the hostel and rusticated from the institute with immediate effect.
Aslam S, Sayeedh M. A., and Nahal Ibnu Abullaise -- all second-year MSW students -- issued a statement on Monday in which they said the institute had taken the decision less than 24 hours before their semester examinations. While denying their involvement, they maintained that the slogans were 'neither anti-national nor unlawful' but 'reflect democratic values and human rights, and such expressions fall well within the bounds of the Indian Constitution'.
They demanded withdrawal of their rustication and a fair inquiry claiming that they were not allowed to examine the witnesses. They also alleged that the authorities had selectively inspected rooms.
They said the authorities had found a paint roller and disposable plate with colors the students had used for 'academic field action project' which were falsely cited as evidence. The students further said they felt the inquiry process was 'deeply flawed'.
They claimed they were not shown any evidence of their involvement, 'were not allowed to question or cross-examine any witnesses or reports' and were 'given no opportunity for legal or academic representation, nor sufficient time to prepare defense'.
Despite repeated calls and messages to the proctor of the institute there was no response.
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