India

Presidency University Expels Two Students Over Swami Vivekananda Poster Defacement

By PTI

Presidency University in Kolkata has expelled two female students after an inquiry committee found them responsible for defacing a poster featuring a photo of Swami Vivekananda. The students allegedly wrote abusive remarks on the poster and used derogatory language against other organisations. The decision followed a review of CCTV footage and interviews with stakeholders. The expelled students are barred from participating in any further academic activities at the university and will not be eligible for admission to future degree programmes. The university stated it has always upheld dignified academic discourse and will not tolerate abuse directed at thinkers, ideas or organisations. The incident was first reported by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which claimed the poster, put up on campus on October 13, had been defaced. ABVP filed a police complaint and staged a protest outside the university gate. The Students' Federation of India (SFI), a left‑affiliated group, denied any involvement, condemned the alleged defacement, and called for an investigation based on CCTV footage and action against those found responsible. The university has not disclosed the identities of the expelled students.