The Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery, has expelled four final-year students arrested in connection with the seizure of nearly two kg of suspected ganja from the men’s hostel within the college campus last month.
The expelled students have been identified as Anuraj R., 21, mechanical engineering, Adityan, 20, mechanical engineering; Abhiraj, 21, automobile engineering; and Aksah, 21, chemical engineering. The decision to dismiss them was based on the report of an internal inquiry committee, which recommended that they be issued transfer certificates without further delay.
However, Aiju Thomas, the college principal, said that the move was merely technical since all the affected students have completed their respective courses, as they were allowed to appear for their final year exams despite being suspended, and an inquiry was ordered against them. “A lab exam remains, and they will be allowed to appear for it. However, their conduct certificate will only be marked as ‘satisfactory,” he said.
The Kochi city police had seized 1.90 kg of suspected ganja and less than 10 g from two separate rooms during a late-night swoop in the men’s hostel on March 13. The police had also arrested two former students, Mohammed Ashiq and K.S. Shalik, in the case.
Stunned by the development, the college has further intensified its anti-drug campaign on the campus. “Even before the incident, we had implemented the recommendations of a committee appointed to free the campus of drugs. We have already implemented extensive CCTV networks on the campus and the hostel. We have also decided to restrict admission to men’s hostels for those students academically inclined and without any backlog,” said Mr. Principal.
When asked whether if it was legally feasible to restrict admission to men’s hostels only to such students, he said a government order that granted discretionary powers to the college academic council already existed.
Published – April 29, 2025 06:51 pm IST
