New Delhi, 25th March, 2016

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that there is an emergency like situation in Hyderabad University and there is no water, electricity, food, internet services and ATMs are out of order. Reportedly, there is heavy police presence in the Campus. The University students are under immense fear and trauma due to indiscriminate arrests of about 25 students and 2 faculty members.

The Commission has issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana and Police Commissioner, Hyderabad calling for reports in the matter within one week.

The Commission has observed that the arbitrary act and high handedness of senior University officials as well as Police and Administrative officers, as reported in media, raise serious concerns towards safety and security of the students. No one can be deprived of the basic amenities like water, food and electricity by willful act of the State.

According to the media reports 25 student and 2 faculty members of Hyderabad University were arrested in the evening of 23rd March, 2016 in connection with incidents of vandalizing the office of the Vice Chancellor and damaging the public property as well as obstructing Government officials from performing their duties.

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