Sharda University violence: Afghans among 8 students found guilty

Noida: The Sharda University in Greater Noida has found eight students guilty of involvement in the violence that erupted on its campus last week between groups of Indian and Afghan students, and asked them to explain why they should not be expelled, officials said.

A three-member inquiry committee was constituted by the varsity on October 4 to look into the incidents of scuffle on the campus between October 1 and 4, a university spokesperson said on Tuesday. 

The inquiry report was submitted to the university authorities late on Monday evening, days after Gautam Buddh Nagar administration suspected the role of anti-social elements from outside in escalating "a minor scuffle into a communal issue". 

According to the orders issued by the Registrar, eight students have been charge-sheeted (found guilty), 10 have been fined on disciplinary grounds, while four others suspended. 

Those charge-sheeted include Afghan students as well, the spokesperson told PTI. "Eight students have been charge-sheeted and asked to explain why they should not be expelled from the university. 

Ten students have been warned and put on probation for the rest of their studies in the university. 

They will have to deposit an additional security money of Rs 25,000, as surety, which shall be forfeited in case of their involvement in any further act of indiscipline," the University said in an official statement.  

"Four students have been suspended and asked to face the Inquiry Committee within two days, while four others have been warned and put on probation for the rest of their studies in the university," the statement added. 

The university said that 10 students have been let off "for want of any substantial evidence". 

The inquiry committee has decided to look into some more cases of students, against whom evidences are coming up, in next couple of days, it said.  

"The committee has also issued fresh notices to 15 students who did not turn up before it, despite notices, and has asked them to appear in person on Tuesday," according to the statement.  

Meanwhile, the deemed university re-opened Tuesday morning after four days amid a beefed-up security on the campus. 

"The classes are being held in a peaceful atmosphere and the examinations due have also commenced. 

The University is keeping constant vigil to maintain discipline, peace and harmony on the campus," the spokesperson said. Multiple videos of scuffle between Indian and Afghan students had emerged on social media, after which the police had booked over 350 students for rioting and related offences.  

The district administration on October 5 had directed the police to lodge a case against "outsiders" who entered the university and escalated the scuffle.