Sambalpur, Apr 28: In a decisive move, the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) administration in Burla, Sambalpur district, on Monday took disciplinary action against 100 students following the tragic drowning of a female student in the restricted area of Hirakud Reservoir on April 10.

In light of the incident, five female students have been instructed to vacate their hostel immediately. Furthermore, academic grades of several students' have been downgraded to "F," with a penalty fine of Rs 5,000.

The university has also mandated that the students, under the supervision of the Dean of Student Welfare (DSW), participate in social work as a corrective measure. This action serves as a reminder of the guidelines prohibiting VSSUT students from entering sensitive areas.

Notably, on April 10, Saswati Bhoi, a final-year student in the department of Electrical Engineering at the University drowned at the Fishery Point on the banks of Hirakud Reservoir while trying to save a friend.

Sources said Saswati along with six of her friends had gone to the Fishery Point on a pleasure trip. At around 5 pm, one of the girls went inside the water to take a dip and started to drown. Saswati, who knew swimming, jumped into the water to rescue her. However, she too was caught in the strong current. Although she was rescued to hospital but was declared dead by doctors.

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