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.