16 september 2024 : Seven students at Parala Maharaja Engineering College in Berhampur, Odisha, were expelled from their hostel for allegedly cooking beef, leading to heightened tensions and increased police presence at the college.
The Dean of Students’ Welfare announced on Thursday that the expulsions were due to the students engaging in ‘restricted activities’ that violated the hostel’s rules and code of conduct. Details about these activities were not disclosed. Additionally, one of the expelled students was fined ₹2,000.
The students reportedly cooked beef in the hostel on Wednesday night, prompting a complaint from other boarders to the dean. The complaint emphasized the need to respect the diverse values and beliefs of all students and requested stringent action due to the unrest caused by the incident.
Members of Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad also visited the college, urging the principal to take strict measures against the students. An inquiry conducted by the college confirmed the students’ involvement in the restricted activities, resulting in their expulsion.
