ABVP Demands Release of Seven Members After EFLU Campus Clashes in Hyderabad

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Hyderabad on Sunday demanded the unconditional release of seven members remanded to judicial custody following clashes on the campus.

The student organisation alleged police bias, stating that while seven ABVP members were sent to judicial custody, only one National Students' Union of India (NSUI) member was taken into custody. The group demanded the arrest and medical testing of individuals involved in an alleged 3 a.m. attack on an ABVP-affiliated second-year BA student by approximately 20 NSUI members.

The clashes broke out on August 14 following tensions during an ABVP protest at a women’s hostel on August 13. According to the ABVP unit, the demonstration was held after a warden made rude remarks against two female students seeking accommodation, as well as to highlight concerns regarding basic amenities such as clean washrooms and safe drinking water. ABVP alleged that NSUI members attempted to disrupt the peaceful protest with abusive language.

NSUI countered the claims, accusing ABVP members of hurling casteist slurs at a student and assaulting the EFLU Students' Union Vice-President. NSUI also alleged that ABVP members used sticks and glass bottles during the violence, leaving several students injured.

In its statement, the ABVP demanded that the university administration take strict action, including the suspension of the hostel warden. The group also called for an end to political interference and police bias in university affairs under the state government.