7 students expelled from Odisha college hostel over allegations of cooking beef

Seven students of the state-run Parala Maharaja Engineering College in Odisha’s Berhampur were expelled from their hostel for allegedly cooking beef inside the premises.
Tensions prevailed following the incident, prompting authorities to deploy security personnel near the college. The students’ parents were informed about the incident and a fine of Rs. 2,000 was also imposed on one of the expelled students.
The alleged incident took place on Wednesday (September 11) night, following which another set of students reportedly complained to the dean.
“As a diverse community, we understand the importance of respecting the values and beliefs of all students. This incident (the alleged cooking of beef) has caused unrest and discomfort, leading to a tense atmosphere. I kindly request strict action to be taken against the boarders involved in the incident,” the complaint by the students read.
An official notification from the Office of the Students’ Welfare Dean, dated September 12, stated that the expulsion was a result of violations of the Halls of Residence (HoR) Rules and the institution’s code of conduct.

Official notification from college

The notice specifies that the students were found engaging in “prohibited activities” in Room No B-23 of Falguni HoR on the night of September 11.
The incident also drew the attention of the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), whose workers visited the college demanding strict action against the students.
Members of VHP filed an FIR at the Gopalpur Police Station, claiming that the students had consumed beef and had also served it to some other students of the college.