Samim Akter Sheikh
Tensions escalated into violence at the University of Hyderabad on Sunday evening when a group allegedly associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) disrupted a theatre performance at the Department of Theatre Arts’ GB Hall.
The incident occurred during a final-year student staging of Holi, a play by noted playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar. According to witnesses, members of the group objected to certain dialogues in the play, claiming they hurt Hindu religious sentiments. The same group had reportedly issued a warning to the department following a previous performance a day earlier.
Escalation and Alleged Attack
Eyewitness accounts allege that individuals identified as Shiva Palepu (Union President), Ayush Yadav (ABVP President), and other members, including Antonie and Sidhant Shukla—who was reportedly suspended twice earlier for disciplinary issues—were involved in the disruption.
The situation escalated when a group caused damage outside an auditorium before forcibly entering the venue.
According to reports, they broke the main light fixture at the theatre hall entrance and damaged window glass panels, along with parts of the infrastructure. A guest faculty member was also allegedly threatened during the incident.
As tensions grew, audience members and performers were reportedly trapped inside the hall for an extended period due to the vandalism and chaos at the entrance.
Injuries Reported
Several students were reportedly injured during the incident at the campus.
Those identified include Abhay, Adit, Arshika, Anandu, and Devasree.
They were first given treatment at the university health centre and later shifted to a nearby hospital for further medical care.
Eyewitness Testimony
Kripa George, former Union General Secretary, described the sequence of events:
“They started vandalising doors and window glass. After that, they broke vehicle glasses and assaulted students who were trying to stop them from entering the auditorium.”
Police Intervention
Police arrived at the scene after the violence had escalated and eventually brought the situation under control. Officers facilitated the safe exit of students, faculty, and audience members from the auditorium.
However, as people were being escorted out, witnesses reported that some ABVP members raised inflammatory slogans, including “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maro saalon ko,” further heightening tensions.
