Odisha's VSSUT Disciplinary Committee Penalizes 100 Students for Misconduct

Key punishments include grade reduction, fines, hostel expulsion, and activity bans following tragic drowning incident

ODISHA — The Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, has taken disciplinary action against 100 students for a range of violations, including poor class attendance and unauthorized visits to restricted areas. The university’s Disciplinary Committee finalized its decisions in a meeting held on April 25, following which an official order was issued naming the affected students and their respective penalties.

Majority of Violations by Third-Year Students

According to university officials, the majority of the penalized students are in their third year, followed by 11 fourth-year, 11 first-year, two second-year, and one MSc student. Infractions primarily included unauthorized entry into prohibited zones, which the university has intensified scrutiny over since the tragic death of final-year student Saswati Bhoi on April 12.

Bhoi, a student of Electrical Engineering, drowned at Fishery Point of Hirakud Reservoir in Burla while attempting to rescue a fellow student, prompting tighter regulations around student movement and behavior on campus.

Range of Penalties Enforced

Penalties for the violators include:

• Grade reduction in all theory and seasonal subjects for the current semester

• Fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000

• Hostel expulsion, particularly for students involved in the Fishery Point incident

• Mandatory social work assignments under university supervision

• Activity bans, barring participation in student leadership, sports captaincies, and eligibility for medals, certificates, or other recognitions

Specific Actions Against Students Linked to Fatal Incident

Among those penalized are six fourth-year female students who were present at Fishery Point on the day of the incident. They received the maximum fine of ₹5,000, a grade reduction, and were expelled from their hostels.

Affidavit Requirement for Reinstatement

All but 15 students have been directed to submit a signed affidavit, jointly with their parents, at the office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare. This affidavit serves as a pledge to maintain disciplinary conduct for the remainder of their academic tenure. Failure to comply or further misconduct may result in harsher penalties, including permanent expulsion.

A Tragic Reminder and a Strong Message

The disciplinary actions aim to uphold university safety protocols and reinforce institutional rules amid growing concerns over student behavior in high-risk zones. VSSUT’s decisive response underscores its commitment to student safety, academic integrity, and structured conduct.