Hyderabad: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad unit at the English and Foreign Languages University has accused its activists and students of facing a coordinated assault on campus in the early hours of August 14. The group also criticized police response, noting that seven of its members were sent to judicial custody while just one from the rival NSUI was detained.
The ABVP EFLU unit stated on August 15 that tensions started on August 13 when a warden at the Mahalaqa Bai Chanda Women’s Hostel reportedly directed sexist comments at two female students seeking to share a room. The warden allegedly questioned their character, threatened to contact parents, and ordered them to stay in assigned rooms or exit the hostel.
The organization said it organized a calm demonstration backing the students and highlighting problems with hostel amenities such as clean facilities and safe water. It alleged that NSUI members tried to interrupt the protest with arguments and offensive remarks.
The ABVP claimed that around 3 am on August 14, roughly 20 NSUI members entered the room of a second-year BA student linked to ABVP and attacked him. Eyewitness reports suggested some in the group were affected by substances.
It further alleged that doors to rooms of other ABVP members were secured from outside to block assistance. Another student who tried to help was reportedly held and silenced, while arriving ABVP members were also targeted.
The ABVP insisted its members only defended themselves and protected others. It questioned the police handling, claiming seven ABVP members entered judicial custody while one NSUI member received better treatment, including transport in a private vehicle.
The group said additional individuals involved stayed free and no medical or substance tests occurred despite claims of intoxication. Complaints from its members and their injuries received little police attention, it added. The ABVP called for a fair probe, alleging political influence by the ruling Congress government in Telangana.
It demanded immediate release of the seven members, arrests and testing of others involved, and administrative steps including suspension of the warden. It also sought an end to alleged police favoritism and political meddling in university matters.
The unit vowed to continue highlighting student dignity, safety and rights at EFLU while seeking accountability for the violence.
