HYDERABAD: The administration and students of University of Hyderabad (UoH) clashed on Sunday over the alleged forceful eviction of fruit vendors outside the university’s campus. While the students, who video recorded a part of the incident, said that the university had no business removing the hawkers who were selling their fare outside campus, university officials said that they had to be evicted after it was not done by the government.
The security personnel allegedly manhandled some fruit vendors and damaged fruits. The hawkers were conducting business outside the university’s small gate. In the video, hawkers can be seen bringing out seized fruit baskets from UoH’s security booth.
One vendor can be seen saying, “We keep one cycle beside the road and occupy minimal space. Why is UoH not allowing us to sell fruits on the road?”
In the same video, one security official could be seen claiming that they acted on orders from the vice-chancellor and security officer. When contacted, a university security official said, “The hawkers operating on a narrow road near the university’s gate could have caused accidents, and that is why we evicted them and seized the fruits. In the melee, some fruits got damaged. We had to take action as government authorities responsible did not act. We then counselled the hawkers and they agreed to shift to the opposite side. However, some students came and started provoking them promising compensation from university. In fact, some fruits were damaged by the students.”
UoH spokesperson Prof Vinod Pavarala said, “The security officer is yet to submit a report on the issue.” Sources said that the university agreed to pay the hawkers Rs 20,000 as compensation.