HYDERABAD: In light of ongoing student protests concerning the land dispute near Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in Kancha Gachibowli, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held a crucial review meeting with ministers at the Command Control Centre. The discussion focused on strategies to address the student demonstrations and the involvement of political parties in the agitation.
The state government has asserted full ownership rights over the 400 acres in question, citing agreements made in 2004. Documents released by the government include signatures from university officials, indicating prior land exchange agreements between the university and the state for mutual needs. Despite this, HCU Registrar Devesh Nigam has denied that any survey was conducted in July 2024 to demarcate the 400 acres of land, stating that only a preliminary inspection of the land’s topography has taken place.
Student protests have intensified, with various political parties extending support. Student unions have called for a university bandh, and leaders from parties including the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] have joined the demonstrations, escalating tensions. Protesters attempted to move from the main gate, while political leaders sought entry into the university, leading to a volatile situation. Police have arrested several leaders, including BJP Mahila Morcha representatives and activist Chikoti Praveen, relocating them to various police stations. Similar protests occurred at Osmania University, resulting in student detentions.
Law enforcement has also detained BJP legislators and members of the Legislative Council who attempted to visit HCU, citing lack of permission. MLAs Payal Shankar and Paul Surya Narayana were arrested near the MLA quarters in Hyderguda and later released at the party office. BJP Legislature Party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy and MLC Anji Reddy were placed under house arrest.
In anticipation of further unrest, police have been deployed outside the residences of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders, including party working president K.T. Rama Rao and MLA T. Harish Rao.
Madhapur Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vineeth has urged the public not to believe social media rumors, stating that authorities and workers have been attacked amid the unrest.
The situation remains tense as the government and university officials work to resolve the dispute and address the concerns of students and political entities involved.
