Hyd University row: Students stage protests, ransack V-C Appa Rao’s office

The incident triggered tension on the campus as police rushed additional forces to prevent further violence.

The protests began in the morning when a section of students while raising slogans against the Vice-Chancellor, barged into his residence (V-C’s lodge), broke window panes, smashed doors and television among other items, protesting against his resumption of duty.

Prof Podile was in a meeting with some deans and members of the executive committee in the lodge when the students struck. Later, a group of students continued their protest by squatting outside his residence.

“Police had to resort to caning after repeated requests to the agitating students failed to get positive response. Students also indulged in stone-pelting, injuring four police personnel,” a cop said. According to him, police were requesting the students since afternoon but they were “adamant” and did not pay heed to disperse from the place.

The V-C termed the vandalisation incident as the “black day” for University of Hyderabad.

“I was having a meeting with some deans and members of the executive committee on how to handle things in University. Meanwhile, a group of students came; (they) banged the doors, ransacked the office and resorted to violence of the magnitude which we have never seen in university. This is the black day for the University of Hyderabad,” he said. When asked about the proposed visit of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar to HCU on Wednesday, the V-C said: “I have not given any permission for the meeting. There was no letter (requesting permission for meeting) from anyone on this. I will have to discuss with police and my colleagues then only I can comment.” Kumar will also meet Vemula’s mother.