SVNIT student expelled from hostel for one year for ‘beating up’ another student

A video of the incident had recently gone viral on social media platforms by the name of ‘SVNIT Surat’, where a student was seen hitting another with a waist belt inside the college campus. SVNIT Disciplinary Committee had formed a 10-member team.  The team carried out a probe and recorded statements from students. The college authorities claimed that the student was beaten up while a group of students were playing games.

The committee had prepared a report and handed it to the Dean of the Student Welfare Committee, Dr Sanjaykumar Patel, who had on Monday taken the decision to expel the accused student. The student was intimated about the punishment by college authorities on Tuesday.

“The video was one-year old, mostly from August 2024. We are shocked that it got circulated now. The students were playing and celebrating the birthday of the victim student… The victim student also told us that it was not ragging, but a part of the game,” Dean Patel told The Indian Express.

He further said, “We have expelled the accused student from college (hostel) for one year. Once his legal guardians come, we will hand over the student to them, and he has to stay at a rented house outside the college premises. He is also barred from entering the hostel campus but can continue his studies and attend regular classes.”

The college authorities also circulated a notice on Tuesday, banning illegal activities, including bump-beating and inhuman practices, during celebrations.

“It has come to the notice of the administration that some students have engaged in illegal and inhuman activities, such as bump beating and other forms of harassment, during birthday celebrations on campus. Such activities are a violation of student conduct & discipline rules and attract strict disciplinary action. Such activities not only violate the principles of respect and dignity, but also create an unhealthy and unsafe environment for students. In view of the above, the following directives are issued. The institute encourages students to celebrate events in a safe and friendly manner, with consideration for  dignity. All forms of bump-beating and any other form of physical abuse or mental harassment or any inhuman activities during any celebrations/events are strictly prohibited. Such activities pose a serious threat to the well-being and safety of students. Any violation of this notice will be treated with utmost seriousness, and offenders will be dealt with institute disciplinary rules and procedures,” the notice states.

The notice further states, “Students are encouraged to report any incidents of illegal activities or harassment immediately to the office of Dean (Student Welfare), SVNIT Surat, along with complete details for appropriate action.”