No Maoists in Osmania University, says vice-chancellor

HYDERABAD - Osmania University’s Vice-Chancellor Tirupati Rao Sunday said there were no Maoists on the university campus. The statement comes on the heels of the government’s claim that “Maoist elements” had entered the university to take advantage of the ongoing agitation for Telangana.

Rao told reporters that there was no information about the presence of Maoists on the campus.

The clarification also came amid some media reports quoting sources in union home ministry that Maoists were involved in last week’s violence on the campus.

While challenging the high court order to pull out all paramilitary forces from the campus, the state’s counsel had told the Supreme Court that “Maoist elements” have entered the university.

The apex court Friday allowed the state to let paramilitary forces stay in the university but with some riders.

The vice-chancellor also appealed to police not to enter the campus without informing the university authorities.

Osmania University is the nerve centre of the ongoing Telangana movement and has witnessed several violent incidents during student protests since November last year.

Rao also advised to students to maintain peace during their protests as the disturbances were affecting their studies and examination schedule.

He said the state government has formed 11-member committee to help maintain peace on the campus.