Student Leaders Attacked and Abducted in Tirupati During Protest Against University
Tension gripped Tirupati on Tuesday as two prominent student leaders were allegedly attacked and abducted while en route to the district collectorate to stage a protest against alleged irregularities at Mohan Babu University (MBU). The incident has sent shockwaves through the student community and prompted urgent calls for action from political and civil society leaders.
Violent Assault and Swift Abduction
According to reports, around 30 individuals brutally assaulted Akbar, the district general secretary of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), and Vinod, the SFI students' union leader at Sri Venkateswara University. The assailants reportedly whisked the two leaders away in vehicles, leaving fellow SFI members stunned and alarmed by the sudden and violent turn of events.
Immediate Police Response and Rescue Operation
Alerted by CITU state vice president Kandarapu Murali, district Superintendent of Police L Subba Rayudu and Assistant Superintendent of Police Ravi Manoharachari sprang into action. Murali had warned that any threat to student leaders would have serious consequences, demanding strict intervention from both the police and the state government. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, the police managed to rescue the two abducted leaders within an hour of the incident. The accused were taken into custody, and the vehicles used in the abduction were seized.
SP Subba Rayudu assured that criminal cases would be registered not only against the direct perpetrators but also against those who planned the attack. He emphasized that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to ensure all involved face justice.
Background of the Protest and Alleged University Irregularities
Student organizations have long voiced concerns over alleged malpractices at Mohan Babu University, particularly regarding fee collections. Several representations have been submitted to the government seeking redress, but with no satisfactory response, the SFI called for a protest at the collectorate. Their demands included immediate governmental action and the filing of criminal cases against the university management.
Political Condemnation and Demands for Action
CPM leaders have alleged that the protest was deliberately sabotaged by assailants linked to the university. CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao demanded stringent punishment for those responsible, noting that earlier notices from the higher education department had failed to yield effective action. He condemned the alleged use of criminal elements to intimidate students and urged authorities to blacklist the university.
Adding to the chorus of condemnation, AP Parents Association state president S Narahari called on the chief minister to intervene directly. He outlined several demands, including:
- Implementation of recommendations from the APHERMC inquiry
- Cancellation of the university's permissions
- Refund of ₹26.17 crore allegedly collected illegally from students
- Enforcement of a ₹15 lakh penalty imposed on the institution
- Withdrawal of false cases filed against parents and students
The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions in Tirupati's educational landscape, raising critical questions about student safety and institutional accountability.
