Hyderabad varsity fracas: NHRC notice to HRD ministry, Telangana govt

NHRC issued the notices taking suo motu cognizance of reports that there is an “emergency like” situation in Hyderabad University and there is no water, electricity, food, internet services and the ATMs are out of order.

The National Human Rights Commission on Friday issued notices to the ministry of human resource development (HRD) and Telangana government officials over reports of “emergency like” situation in University of Hyderabad.

Students of Hyderabad Central University demanding justice for dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, holding a protest demonstration against the University VC in Hyderabad on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. (PTI)

The Commission issued notices to the HRD secretary, Telangana chief secretary and the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, calling for reports in the matter within one week.

The Commission said the “arbitrary act and high handedness” of senior university officials, police and administrative officers, as reported in media, raise “serious concerns towards safety and security of the students”.

NHRC issued the notices taking suo motu cognizance of reports that there is an “emergency like” situation in University of Hyderabad and there is no water, electricity, food, internet services and the ATMs are out of order.

“Reportedly, there is heavy police presence in the Campus. The University students are under immense fear and trauma due to indiscriminate arrests of about 25 students and 2 faculty members,” it said.

No one can be deprived of the basic amenities like water, food and electricity by wilful act of the State,” the human rights panel said.

25 students and two faculty members of Hyderabad Central University have been arrested in connection with incidents of vandalism at the VC’s lodge and stone pelting on police personnel on March 22.