Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7: Termination of two senior faculty members by authorities of the Xavier University here has triggered criticism from across various sections, especially the alumni of the premier B-school.

University insiders said the teachers - D.V. Ramana and Bani Kanta Mishra - were all of a sudden removed from the XIMB last evening without any explanation. Both the teachers taught finance. Access to their email IDs has been blocked.

Both Ramana and Mishra said they did not want to comment on the episode. The faculty members also did not want to openly oppose the decision.

However, several former students took to the social media to question the authorities why the teachers were removed without any explanation.

A campaign to sign a petition was launched on twitter asking chief minister Naveen Patnaik to intervene in the matter. It reads: "The Governing Board of a Management Institute should have only credible individuals. Currently due to the influence of the Jesuits, Fr Paul is the Director of XIMB and the Vice Chancellor of Xavier University of Bhubaneswar. His credentials, besides social service, are almost unrelated to Business Management and Higher Education (excluding theology). To head one of Eastern India's premier educational institutions is the best and most meritocratic choice?"

Shoumik Choudhry, an alumni who signed the petition, wrote: "I am signing this petition because I am an alumni of XIMB and it pains me to see the plight of this institute. There is no proper management and the situation seems to be going out of hand with each passing day."

Despite several efforts, Fr Paul could not be contacted for comments.