The hostel vandalism case at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) under Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore took a fresh turn on Tuesday when the students involved publicly apologised and appealed for leniency in disciplinary action. The incident occurred at Ramanujan Hostel during a farewell celebration organised by final-year students.
Students Release Apology Video
Two days after the incident, students released a video accepting responsibility for damaging hostel property. The apology video was sent to IET director Pratosh Bansal, hostel authorities, and Vice-Chancellor Rakesh Singhai. In the nearly two-minute video, around 30 to 40 students collectively apologised, admitting that hostel property should not have been damaged. They expressed readiness to pay the penalty imposed by the administration and appealed for relief in disciplinary action.
Details of the Vandalism
The controversy erupted after videos of vandalism inside the hostel went viral on social media. The clips showed students breaking windowpanes, throwing furniture, and damaging a water storage tank during the late-night party held after the completion of their academic course.
Inquiry Committee and Recommendations
Following the incident, the institute administration constituted a five-member inquiry committee on Sunday to investigate the matter. The committee submitted its report to the Vice-Chancellor on Monday, recommending that the results and placement offers of the students involved be withheld. It also proposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on each student identified in the incident.
Administration's Response
IET director Pratosh Bansal confirmed that the apology video had been received and the committee’s report had already been submitted to the Vice-Chancellor for further action. Vice-Chancellor Rakesh Singhai stated that the vandalism had tarnished the image of the institution. He confirmed that students have been instructed to vacate the hostel and fines would be recovered. He added that a final decision on other disciplinary actions, including withholding degrees and cancelling placement offers, is under reconsideration, keeping the students' future in mind. The final decision will be taken after discussions with IET management and committee members in a meeting scheduled for Thursday.
