EFLU Keeps 14 Students Suspended, Inquiry Into Campus Clash Underway
HYDERABAD: The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) will keep 14 students suspended until it completes an inquiry into last week’s campus clash, the university said on Friday, as reported by TOI.
The university suspended seven students each from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). The students include 10 undergraduates, one postgraduate student and three PhD scholars.
An EFLU official said the university would form an inquiry commission headed by a senior professor. The panel will examine the clash and allegations raised by both groups.
“The students were suspended and there has been no decision to revoke the action,” the official said.
The university website lists Basheer Hostel for Men and Mahalaqa Bai Chanda Hostel for Women, the two hostels mentioned in accounts of the incident.
NSUI alleges assault and casteist remarks
Both NSUI and ABVP have demanded that the university revoke the suspensions of their members.
NSUI alleged that ABVP members made casteist remarks against one of its members and assaulted the EFLU Students’ Union vice-president during a protest near Mahalaqa Bai Chanda Hostel on August 13.
“The students informed the proctor about the alleged assault before approaching the police for legal action. Earlier, ABVP members had gathered inside Basheer Hostel around 4 am and attacked NSUI students with sticks,” said Rishit Nayak of the NSUI.
He alleged that two NSUI members suffered severe injuries. He also alleged that women NSUI members who reached the hostel were abused. Seven students suffered injuries in the clash, including four NSUI members who sustained head injuries, he said.
ABVP denies allegations
The ABVP denied the allegations. Priyank Shekhar, ABVP vice-president at EFLU, said its members were “peacefully protesting” outside Mahalaqa Bai Chanda Hostel.
He said the protest followed complaints from two female students about alleged mistreatment over their hostel room arrangements.
“While the protest was underway, we received information that ABVP students were being attacked inside Basheer Men’s Hostel. Our members then went there to help them, but they were beaten instead,” he said.
In a separate statement, the EFLU Students’ Union said the administration must protect every student regardless of political affiliation.
The union also alleged that the deputy proctor, who serves as the Basheer Hostel warden, instructed police not to register an FIR despite union members approaching the police station.
Police have registered cases against members of both groups based on complaints from both sides.
“Seven ABVP members were arrested and sent to judicial custody before getting bail. Police later granted station bail to seven NSUI members. We are investigating further,” a police officer said.
