A Dalit professor at Satavahana University in Karimnagar has alleged that she is facing social boycott and harassment on campus after being labelled an “urban Naxal.”
Sujatha Surepally, who heads the Sociology Department, has accused the university administration of targeting her and creating a hostile environment.
She claimed that Vice Chancellor U Umesh Kumar has been warning students against interacting with her due to alleged “Maoist ideology.”
“Students Are Being Warned Not to Talk to Me”
Speaking about her situation, Sujatha said, “Students are being discouraged from interacting with me, which violates my academic freedom and dignity.”
She further alleged that she has been denied promotion to the post of Registrar despite being eligible by seniority. According to her, she was also removed from key positions, including Dean of the Arts College.
Allegations of Surveillance and Defamation
The professor has also raised serious concerns about surveillance on campus. She claimed that cameras have been installed near her office and her movements are being closely monitored.
“There has been targeted and excessive surveillance. My daily activities are being tracked, which is a clear violation of my right to privacy,” she said.
Sujatha added that she is being subjected to a “systematic defamation campaign,” including being labelled an “urban Naxal” and “anti-national.”
Blames Colleague for ‘Malicious Campaign’
Sujatha has accused a former colleague, Penchala Srinivas, of initiating the campaign against her.
She said, “He assumed I was behind disciplinary action against him and started a witch hunt. False rumours were spread that I had links with Maoists.”
According to her, these allegations were investigated earlier and found to be baseless. Despite this, she claims the campaign has resurfaced after Srinivas was reappointed at the university.
Complaint Filed with Authorities
The professor approached the Telangana State Commission for Scheduled Castes on April 2 and later filed a police complaint on April 9 against both Srinivas and the Vice Chancellor.
In her complaint, she stated that she is facing “character assassination” and caste-based targeting.
“It is deeply distressing that such actions appear to be supported by the Vice Chancellor, who has failed to ensure a neutral and safe academic environment,” she said.
Dalit Student Also Alleges Harassment
Sujatha also highlighted that a Dalit student activist, Karike Mahesh, is facing similar harassment within the university.
She said both of them are being targeted to silence dissent and discourage activism on campus.
Support from Academics and Activists
The issue has drawn national attention, with over 200 activists and academics writing to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy seeking intervention.
In their letter, they demanded action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against those responsible and called for restoring Sujatha’s rights and positions.
Members of the Save Education Committee said, “Removing a qualified Dalit woman professor from key roles is an act of vindictiveness and discrimination.”
