University of Hyderabad students boycott classes, launch indefinite protest over land clearing & police presence
Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad Students' Union (UoHSU) has announced an indefinite protest at the university administration building and a boycott of classes starting at 10:00 a.m. on April 1, 2025. The protest is in response to the university's involvement in facilitating land clearing activities for the state government and the deployment of police forces on campus.
In a statement, the Students' Union accused the university administration of betraying the student body by facilitating the clearing of land and allowing a police crackdown on students who were protesting peacefully.
The UoHSU has demanded that the university immediately remove all police personnel and earth-moving machinery (JCBs) from campus. They also called for a written assurance that the land in question be registered under the university's ownership, the release of the minutes from the executive committee meeting on the issue, and greater transparency regarding land-related documents.
In solidarity with the protest call, students and others have been urged to gather in large numbers to support the cause.
On March 30, 2025, the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) initiated development work at the site located at Sy. No. 25, Kancha Gachibowli Village, following a government order. During the work, a group of people, including students from the University of Hyderabad, gathered at the site and attempted to stop the operations. According to the police, the group reportedly attacked the officials and workers with sticks and stones.
The altercation led to injuries for Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Madhapur Division, who sustained serious injuries to his right knee and ankle. In response, the Gachibowli Police arrested 53 individuals under preventive sections of the law. These individuals were later released on personal bonds.
A complaint was filed by TGIIC, and a case was registered at Gachibowli Police Station under sections 329(3), 121(2), 132, 191(3), 351(3) r/w 3(5) BNS. The two individuals arrested in connection with the incident, B. Rohit Kumar and Erram Naveen Kumar, were identified as former students of the university. Contrary to claims made by some, the police clarified that there was no lathi charge on students, nor were any students forcibly removed from their hostels.
The police also explained that anyone found disrupting public order would face legal action. Authorities urged students to avoid misinformation and resolve issues through official channels.