The Students’ Union of University of Hyderabad denied charges levelled against 10 students suspended earlier this month on grounds of "acts of indiscipline," and accused the administration of going on a witch hunt against the students.
A press release by the students' body claimed that the management had suspended students in a move that was meant to protect a hostel warden accused of sexual harassment.
On the night of 3 November, a girl student was found in the men's hostel after curfew time, and a group of guards who conducted a raid questioned the presence of a woman student. An argument followed in which, according to the claims made by the University , the guards were manhandled by a group of more than 150 students.
This resulted in the suspension of 10 students by the authorities, including a student body representative. While two of them were suspended for two years, the rest were not to attend classes for a period of six months. UoH authorities have also said no hostel facilities will be provided to them on their return.
However, the Student's Union rejected the allegations as the "university administration’s false propaganda."
"The allegations of manhandling is a complete fabrication. There was about 10 security guards present throughout the scene and also the Telangana police reached the hostel in no time. Plus there was no complaint made to the police at the spot about any manhandling. Neither were the wardens taken to any Hospital or health center. The manhandling complaint is completely fabricated to target the students," the press release said.
The Union further clarified that the girl was preparing for the UGC NET exam with her classmate, and the student body members, including the suspended representative, reached the hostel upon her request.
According to the release, Athira Unni and Pratyush Nirjher, the students who were 'found' in the same room, were verbally abused by the guards. They asked the girl, “If all the men in the university are allowed inside your ladies hostel room, will you at least be satisfied then.” This resulted in a heated exchange .
"The university did not provide the individual specific charges against these students and hence the chance to effectively defend themselves was not possible. If there are no specific charges and they are being punished for being a part of the ‘mob’, then why all those who were part of the ‘mob’ were not called for deposition. It is clear that these students were particularly targeted without any basis.
"The University has informed that they are even exploring the possibilities of constructing a co-ed hostel. It is really strange that a university, which is thinking about constructing co-ed hostel, can punish 10 students with academic as well as hostel suspension over an issue that started with a girl being present in men’s hostel. This exposes the administration's insincerity in exploring such possibilities and their conservative thinking."
The incident had triggered uproars against the "moral policing" mentality of the administration. Pro Vice-Chancellor of UoH Dr Prakash Babu on 11 November in a press conference had said that the punishment awarded to the students might be diluted by the varsity, though they will not be permitted o appear for the end semester examinations commencing
later this month.
The Union criticised the administration for not showing the same enthusiasm and speed in solving the issues concerning the welfare of the students.
"UoH administration, in its last press release, has claimed to be one of the most gender conscious campus but the language ( “The warden discovered a girl) they used in the press release itself exposes how much gender insensitive the administration really is."
Several protests and agitations were organised by various groups and students organisations in the campus demanding the revocation of the suspension. In one such move, a letter signed by 630 girl-students and scholars was sent to the Vice-Chancellor's office on 10 November, expressing their dismay and disagreement to the actions of the administration.