In the wake of a tragic incident at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Sambalpur, where a girl student drowned in the university’s fishery pond on April 10, the university administration has taken strong disciplinary measures against around 100 students.
What Actions Has VSSUT Taken?
- Hostel Expulsion:
Five female students have been ordered to vacate their hostels immediately as part of the punishment. - Academic Penalties:
Several students have had their academic grades downgraded to an ‘F’, severely affecting their performance record. In addition, they have been fined ₹5,000 each. - Mandatory Social Work:
Some students have been assigned community service duties. They must now perform social work under the supervision of the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO). This measure aims to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability among the students.
Why Such Harsh Steps?
The university revealed that despite multiple prior warnings asking students to avoid “sensitive” or “restricted” zones on campus, including the fishery area, many continued to trespass.
Officials stressed that this negligence directly contributed to the unfortunate death. Therefore, the university decided it could no longer overlook such repeated indiscipline, especially when it had resulted in a loss of life.
University sources say that these actions are intended not just to punish but also to set a strict example so that students take campus rules and safety guidelines seriously in the future.
In-Depth Context: What Happened?
On April 10, a girl student tragically drowned after entering the fishery pond area inside the VSSUT campus — an area students had been repeatedly warned not to venture into.
The incident shocked the entire university community and drew criticism over both student recklessness and campus safety protocols.
Following the girl’s death, an internal investigation was launched. It was found that a significant number of students had habitually ignored campus safety rules, leading to the administration’s strict response.
