Violent Clash Between Student Groups ABVP and SFI Mars Ram Navami Celebrations at UoH
Hyderabad: Clashes erupted during the Ram Navami celebrations at Hyderabad Central University (HCU) between student groups, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI). The clash, which occurred on the evening of April 17, resulted in injuries to several students from both parties.
A discordant episode unfolded at HCU, stemming from purportedly derogatory comments made about Lord Rama in a WhatsApp chat allegedly involving two individuals associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
According to ABVP representatives, the violence was a premeditated attack by SFI members aimed at suppressing opposing ideologies. ABVP alleges that its members were specifically targeted for their vocal criticism of left ideology. ‘Their intolerance against Lord Rama is aimed at instigating communal violence and causing bloodshed on campus. We demand a proper enquiry on this matter,’ said ABVP HCU Unit President Balakrishna. The assault reportedly took place in Hostel-J, where ABVP members were brutally attacked with sharp objects. ABVP claims that SFI members also sexually assaulted female members who arrived at the University Health Center seeking medical assistance.
Shravan B Raj, ABVP National Secretary, condemned the attack, calling it a display of left hooliganism and red terror. “SFI-led student union is using its administrative power to unleash violence against ABVP. The whole country has witnessed how Siddharthan, a veterinary college student in Kerala was murdered. SFI is following the same pattern of violence in all the campuses across the nation,” said Shravan B Raj as he demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the incident.
The ABVP members filed an FIR, alleging that individuals insulted Lord Rama and instigated communal tension through WhatsApp messages. The FIR states that ABVP members were subsequently attacked, resulting in severe injuries.
In contrast, SFI members claim that ABVP initiated the violence by attacking the UoH Students’ Union President and SFI-HCU Unit Secretary, along with other comrades. They allege that ABVP members abused and molested SFI members, leading to retaliatory actions. The FIR filed by SFI members accuses ABVP of instigating communal tension and physically assaulting students.
SFI members also filed an FIR, stating that ABVP members initiated the violence, attacking two students in Hostel-J before escalating to a larger confrontation involving 60-80 ABVP members. They claim that the ABVP members assaulted anyone who attempted to intervene, resulting in injuries and attacks on female students.
Ongoing Tensions in Hyderabad Central University:
ABVP members cite a similar incident during last year’s Ram Navami celebrations, accusing SFI of disrespecting Hindu religious sentiments and hindering religious practices.
The clash highlights deep-seated ideological divisions within the university campus, raising concerns about the safety and security of students. Both parties have registered FIRs, urging authorities to act against the perpetrators. UoH witnessed the election in November 2023, in which SFI and its allies including the Ambedkar Students Association (ASA) and Tribal Students Federation (TSF) won the student union elections.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
