Five Students Suspended After Violent Clashes
Silchar: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar in Assam has suspended five Bangladeshi students for violent clashes on campus. All five are scholarship holders under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) program.
The incident took place on September 8, when a group of third-year Bangladeshi students allegedly attacked fellow countrymen in a late-night brawl. According to witnesses, the accused carried rods, knives, and screwdrivers, leaving several students injured.
Professor Dilip Kumar Baidya, the institute’s director, confirmed the action. “We have adequate evidence to establish their involvement in mass violence. They have been suspended for two semesters and will be sent back to Bangladesh,” Baidya said.
Allegations of Drug Use Surface
The disciplinary action came not only after the clashes but also due to suspected drug possession. Authorities said narcotic substances were found in the rooms of the accused during an internal inquiry.
- S. Dhar, dean of students’ welfare, explained, “Primarily, the punishment was for campus violence, but narcotic substances were also recovered. That fact was taken into account while deciding the disciplinary action.”
Eyewitnesses claimed the accused were under the influence of drugs during the assault. The rampage reportedly lasted for almost 30 minutes, during which both third-year and final-year Bangladeshi students were injured.
Two students sustained severe head injuries and were admitted to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) for intensive care. Others received treatment for cuts and bruises.
Hostel Expulsion and Disciplinary Action
The five students were expelled from their hostels on September 12, following a thorough investigation by NIT authorities. The probe was also monitored by a senior ICCR officer from the Guwahati zone.
“The ICCR director who visited the campus on Saturday was satisfied with our findings and disciplinary measures. Hence, we did not inform the police,” Dhar said.
The students have been barred from attending classes for one academic year. Since their visas are tied to their academic status, they will be deported to Bangladesh.
Recurring Concerns Over Campus Violence
The incident has raised concerns about recurring violence at NIT Silchar. Students say this is not the first time the campus has been rocked by violent clashes and drug-related issues.
A former student was arrested a few years ago for allegedly supplying narcotics on campus. Several students have expressed concern about safety and have demanded stricter monitoring inside hostels.
One senior student said, “This incident has scared many of us. Violence and drugs are becoming a serious problem here.”
Authorities insist that corrective action is being taken to ensure such violence does not recur.