Hyderabad: UoH officials raid in university hostel leads to vehement opposition by students

When contacted on the issue, a university official said there was no information on the incident.

Hyderabad: A surprise raid by the University of Hyderabad chief warden, along with deputy wardens and security personnel, at the hostels was met with vehement opposition on Saturday morning leading to tension on the campus that ended with some students and officials suffering minor injuries.

Commotion began when the flying squad led by chief warden commenced the raid at NX research scholar hostel at 6 am and attempted to inspect every room.

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According to students, the chief warden seized kettles and induction stoves from the rooms, which were being used by students as a means to have hot water. This apart, the chief warden levied a hefty penalty of Rs.10,000 on 12 students. Following the raid, students in large numbers staged a protest at the university administration building.

The raid, second within a week, intended to ensure no unauthorised persons stay in the hostels, escalated when students vexed by what they called poor basic amenities and infrastructure in the hostels, began questioning the officials.

“As a large number of students raised the issue of poor amenities and facilities in the hostels, the chief warden evaded our questions. Then the chief warden tried to run away, during which he fell down. To portray it as a medical issue, the security personnel carried him for about 100 metres and again the chief ward ran into the health centre. Some students suffered minor injuries and no official got hurt. Following our protest, the chief warden revoked the fine levied on 12 students,” said Nihad Sulemani, general secretary UoH Students’ union 2024-25.

Questioning the conduct of the flying squad, Sulemani said university staff was filming on their personnel cameras without the consent of students. “When even women are in the hostels, videos are being recorded,” he said

In a statement, the students’ union said the chief warden office was attacking the dignity and self-respect of the student community by breaching their privacy under the guise of flying squads inspections. The chief warden failed to address basic issues related to hostels and mess but raiding hostels, it said and demanded immediate suspension of the flying squad and action on staff who misbehaved with students.

When contacted on the issue, a university official said there was no information on the incident.