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Three students from the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, have been rusticated and barred from writing their final semester examinations following allegations of defacing hostel walls with what the administration termed “anti-national” content.
The students — Aslam S, Sayeedh M A, and Nahal Ibnu Abullaise — were in the final semester of their Master of Social Work (MSW) programme. Rustication orders were issued on Sunday, 25 May 2025, less than 24 hours before their scheduled exams on 26 May 2025 and 27 May 2025. The students were also expelled from hostel accommodation.
The disciplinary action was initiated after slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Jai Bhim” were found written on hostel walls on 22 May 2025. According to institute authorities, these writings constituted gross misconduct and violated hostel regulations. The rustication letters stated that the Disciplinary Committee found “sufficient ground” to conclude the involvement of the three students in defacement of property.
The students were provided an opportunity to present their case on 23 May 2025. However, they have disputed both the allegation and the disciplinary process. In a joint statement, they denied any involvement and said the materials found in their room — including fabric colours and a paint roller — were related to an academic field project.
While four other students were also issued notices and removed from the hostel, only Aslam, Sayeedh, and Nahal were barred from taking their exams.
Some students have questioned the timing and scope of the disciplinary process, citing the limited nature of the inspection — reportedly confined to a single hostel floor — and the proximity of the disciplinary orders to the exam schedule.
The three students have announced plans to challenge the rustication in court, seeking a stay on the order and permission to appear for re-examinations. They have also requested the institute to withdraw the charges, arguing that the slogans cited do not meet any legal definition of “anti-national” activity.
Institute authorities, including Director Subrata Hazra and Disciplinary Committee Chairperson S Suresh, were unavailable for comment despite multiple attempts.
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