A diverse coalition of civil society members, social activists, and leaders from various socio-religious organizations in Telangana voiced strong disapproval on Saturday regarding recent police actions. Their concern stems from the treatment of student and youth activists who had peacefully demonstrated their solidarity with Palestine.
Through a joint appeal directed to both Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, these groups unequivocally condemned the charges filed against demonstrators in Hyderabad and Adilabad following incidents on October 7.
The activists highlighted that a particular demonstration at the English and Foreign Languages University, where students expressed support for Palestine, was entirely peaceful. However, this gathering was reportedly interrupted by members of a right-wing student organization. Shockingly, instead of addressing the disruptors, police allegedly proceeded to file cases against the pro-Palestine students under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Another similar incident unfolded in Adilabad district, where young social workers faced detention simply for chanting pro-Palestine slogans.
Alarmingly, in both instances, the complaints were initiated by police officials themselves, rather than by university administrations or private citizens. This situation, according to the activists, raises profound questions about potential bias, the legality of the actions, and a broader suppression of democratic dissent.
The signatories urgently called upon Mr. Rahul Gandhi to intervene in these matters. They also requested Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to order the withdrawal of all First Information Reports (FIRs) against the student and youth activists in Hyderabad and Adilabad. Furthermore, they demanded a thorough inquiry into the reported verbal abuse and mistreatment by police personnel from Mavala.