New Delhi: A Bangladeshi doctoral student at South Asian University (SAU) in the capital has been expelled, and a fine of ₹5,000 has been slapped on the students’ mess secretary following a confrontation over the serving of non-vegetarian food on Maha Shivratri, university officials confirmed on Friday.

The disciplinary action comes in the wake of a proctorial committee probe into the February 26 altercation involving two student factions at the university.

As per a senior SAU official, “Following a detailed proctorial inquiry, the university has found doctoral candidate Sudipto Das guilty of serious misconduct due to multiple instances of indiscipline. The university has ordered his immediate expulsion, permanently disqualified him from applying to any future programmes at SAU, and instructed him to vacate the hostel premises within 24 hours.”

The expulsion order also references an earlier suspension handed to Das in 2022 for reportedly similar disruptive behaviour.

In addition, the university penalised mess secretary Yashada Sawant with a fine of ₹5,000 for not maintaining order in the dining area.

The incident, which reportedly involved members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), sparked sharp political reactions on campus.

SFI accused ABVP activists of attempting to “impose their dietary preferences on others”, labelling the episode an assault on secular principles.

ABVP, on the other hand, criticised the decision to serve non-vegetarian food on Maha Shivratri, calling it “insensitive” and alleging it disturbed “religious harmony.”

While police did receive a call reporting the scuffle, officials said no active fight was witnessed upon arrival, and no formal complaints were lodged. The university proceeded to address the matter through its internal mechanisms.

No immediate response was available from either Sudipto Das or Yashada Sawant.