Seven Engineering Students Apprehended Following Violent Assault at University Festival
In a disturbing incident highlighting campus violence, the Chebrolu police in Vijayawada have taken seven engineering students into custody for their alleged involvement in a brutal attack on a youth. The assault occurred near Vigyan University during a college festival and involved the use of dangerous weapons including sticks, iron rods, and chains.
Root Cause: A Personal Dispute Escalates into Violence
According to detailed police reports, the violent episode originated from a prior personal conflict between students. The sequence began when Hemanth, a student enrolled at Vigyan University, reported being harassed by a fellow student identified as Sriram. Distressed by this ongoing harassment, Hemanth confided in his friend Bharat, who resides in Chundur village and studies at Nagarjuna University.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, Bharat reportedly contacted Sriram directly, issuing a stern warning to cease troubling Hemanth. This intervention, however, backfired spectacularly. Instead of de-escalating the situation, it allegedly ignited a deep-seated grudge within Sriram and his circle of associates.
The Planned Attack and Social Media Outrage
Police investigations reveal that the accused students, who are pursuing BTech degrees at both VVIT and Vigyan University, meticulously planned their retaliation. On February 5th, when Bharat visited Vigyan University to attend the ongoing university festival, the group allegedly deceived him. They lured him to a secluded area near the Chikoo gardens, located opposite the main university campus.
At this isolated spot, the assailants reportedly launched a vicious physical assault. They attacked Bharat with an array of weapons, including wooden sticks, iron rods, and metal chains. In a move that amplified the crime's severity, the attackers recorded the entire violent incident on video. This footage was subsequently circulated on various social media platforms, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation across the region.
Swift Police Action and Arrests
Responding promptly to the incident and the ensuing social media storm, the Chebrolu police launched an intensive investigation. Their efforts led to a successful operation on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of all seven accused individuals. The arrests were made from agricultural fields situated along Water Tank Road, within the jurisdictional limits of Narakodur village.
The police have officially identified the arrested students as:
- Dara Parimal Rihan (also known as Lucky)
- Velisetty Adarsh Babu
- Naka Soma Shekhar
- Rapolu Tirupati Rao
- Nandam Bala Koteswara Rao
- Throvagunta Bala Sairam
- Kotha Sai Amarnath
During the arrest operation, law enforcement officials seized critical evidence from the suspects, including two sticks and a nunchuck, which are believed to have been used during the assault.
Official Warning Against Youth Violence
In the wake of this alarming incident, Guntur Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal issued a strong public statement. SP Jindal explicitly cautioned the youth against resorting to violence as a means to settle personal disputes. He emphasized that the police department would take strict and uncompromising action against anyone found disturbing public peace or engaging in unlawful activities.
This case has cast a spotlight on the serious issue of campus violence and rivalry among student groups in educational institutions. It underscores the urgent need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms and heightened security measures during large campus events like festivals. The police continue their investigation to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
