UoH suicide case: Student groups allege harassment

Hyderabad: Days after a University of Hyderabad (UoH) student allegedly died by suicide, several student organisations on Thursday accused members of the ABVP and the ABVP-led students’ union of subjecting him to harassment and assault over allegations of laptop theft.

Meanwhile, Gachibowli police registered a case under Section 194 (unnatural or suspicious deaths) of the BNSS and said that investigation is underway. “Until now, the findings of the investigation point to nothing more to this. Further probe is underway,” said M Aksheetha, sub-inspector, Gachibowli.

In a joint statement, student organisations including ASA, AISA, BRSV, BSF, DSU, Fraternity, MSF, PDSU, SFI and TSF alleged that on the night of May 17, a group affiliated with ABVP gathered outside F Hostel and “engaged in intimidation” while attempting to forcibly take custody of the student over allegations of theft. The groups claimed that the first-year MA (Financial Economics) student was harassed, humiliated and physically assaulted.

The organisations demanded an independent fact-finding committee, action against those responsible and compensation for the family.

However, ABVP leaders denied the allegations. P Siva, university’s students’ union president, rejected claims of assault or harassment.

Responding to the controversy, UoH registrar Divesh Nigam said the administration is waiting for a police probe report. “The ABVP harassment is a rumour spreading across the campus. We have handed over the body and all the belongings of the deceased to the police and will wait for the findings of their investigation,” he said.