A controversy has erupted at Satavahana University in Telangana after a Dalit woman professor and a Dalit student were allegedly labelled as “Urban Naxals” and subjected to sustained harassment, triggering strong reactions from academics and rights groups.
The Telangana Save Education Committee has demanded immediate intervention, calling the allegations “baseless” and harmful to the academic environment.
Professor, Student Targeted by ‘Coordinated Campaign’
In a statement, the Committee identified Surepalli Sujatha, Head of the Sociology Department and Principal of the Arts College, and Karike Mahesh, an Economics student, as the targets of what it described as a coordinated campaign.
According to the Committee, a group of students filed complaints with local authorities, including the district Collector and a Member of Parliament, while also circulating allegations in print and on social media accusing the two of links with Maoist groups.
‘Act of Vindictiveness’, Say Academics
Senior members of the Committee strongly condemned the developments. “Despite possessing all necessary qualifications and experience, removing a Dalit woman professor, who also holds additional responsibilities as Principal, is an act of vindictiveness,” said K Chakradhar Rao, G Haragopal and K Lakshminarayana.
They warned that such actions not only target individuals but also send a troubling message to marginalized communities within educational institutions.
Concerns Over Academic Freedom and Campus Climate
The Committee said the controversy risks damaging the university’s academic atmosphere, especially as the institution caters to students from rural, Dalit, and Adivasi backgrounds.
It also criticised the Vice-Chancellor for remaining silent amid the row. “The Vice-Chancellor must protect university autonomy, academic freedom, and freedom of expression,” the statement said.
Call to End ‘Baseless Allegations’
Raising broader concerns about the direction of the education system, the Committee pointed to issues such as commercialization, centralization, and communalization.
“The Vice-Chancellor must end such baseless allegations, harassment, and vindictive actions, and protect the autonomy and academic environment of the university,” the Committee added.
