Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur: Four senior students of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, have been accused of ragging by two first-year students, prompting authorities to fine them. The amount is yet to be finalised, vice-chancellor Deepak Kumar Sahu said.The incident occurred a fortnight ago near the campus gate when the first-year students were returning from the Biju Patnaik E-Learning Centre. According to a preliminary inquiry, the seniors, reportedly from the third year, stopped them and questioned one student over an untied shoelace. The other student was confronted over his attire, leading to a verbal altercation.During the exchange, one of the juniors began recording the incident on his phone, which allegedly provoked the seniors. A scuffle ensued, during which the phone fell and got damaged. A security guard intervened and defused the situation.The VC said the episode was not an organised act of ragging but added that it would be dealt with under anti-ragging norms to deter such behaviour. “Even minor incidents, if ignored, can escalate and harm the reputation of the institution,” he said, reiterating that any inappropriate behaviour by seniors towards juniors is treated as ragging.A two-tier inquiry was conducted, including a panel with administrative and police representatives. The panel submitted its report on Tuesday. Based on its findings, a decision has been taken to fine the students found guilty. Formal action will follow after the final report, duly signed by all members, is received, the VC said.University officials said undertakings have also been obtained from the parents of students involved, assuring that such incidents will not recur, and that strict vigilance would continue to maintain a ragging-free campus.
