Five Bangladeshi students enrolled at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar, Assam, have been suspended following recent clashes on campus. According to institute authorities, the students, who were studying in India under scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Study in India (SII) program, are expected to leave the country by September 16.
On September 12, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar imposed academic suspension on five Bangladeshi students and expelled them from the hostel for two semesters. The disciplinary action followed a violent clash between two groups of Bangladeshi students on the night of September 8, which resulted in multiple injuries. Institute Director Dilip Kumar Baidya stated that, as a result of their suspension, the students will be leaving India and returning to their homes in Bangladesh.
“Since their visas are tied to their academic activities and they are currently under suspension and expelled from the hostel, there’s nothing keeping them here,” said Director Dilip Kumar Baidya. “They are set to leave either tonight or tomorrow. If they wish, they may return after the suspension period ends.”
Director Baidya also stated that the students were allegedly found in possession of narcotic substances during a search of their rooms, adding another serious dimension to the case.
“We have sufficient evidence to prove their active involvement in the campus violence, which led to their suspension for two semesters,” the director said.
Describing the September 8 clash, an eyewitness recalled that the attackers were armed with rods, knives, and screwdrivers, and specifically targeted final-year Bangladeshi students. The assault reportedly lasted for nearly 30 minutes and left several students seriously injured.
The injured were taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), where doctors confirmed that two students with severe head injuries had to be admitted to the intensive care unit.
