SFI leaders attacked, abducted near Tirupati
What's the story
Tension gripped the Tirupati Rural Mandal area after student leaders of the Students's Federation of India (SFI) were reportedly attacked and abducted on February 3. The incident took place near Vartha Cross, close to Lemon Tree Hotel in Tiruchanur Village, at around 11:30am. The victims were identified as Sheikh Ali Akbar, Vinod Kumar, and other students who were headed to the District Collector's Office to file a complaint against alleged irregularities of Mohan Babu University.
Attack details
Attackers claimed to be associates of university officials
The victims alleged that nearly 30 persons came in three vehicles and attacked them. The attackers allegedly formed an unlawful assembly, wrongfully restrained the students, assaulted Akbar and Kumar, and criminally intimidated them. They also claimed to be associates of Mohan Babu University officials Satish, PRO Manchu Mohan Babu and Manchu Vishnu. During the incident, one accused also allegedly stole Akbar's motorcycle.
Legal proceedings
FIR registered under relevant sections
After the incident, Kumar lodged a complaint with the police seeking immediate action to rescue Akbar and Kumar and bring the accused to justice. An FIR was registered under relevant sections pertaining to unlawful assembly, criminal conspiracy, wrongful restraint, assault, criminal intimidation, kidnapping and theft. On Wednesday, Tirupati police arrested 13 people for the abduction and assault of two student union leaders.
Political reaction
Reaction to incident
Student organizations, as well as the Andhra Pradesh Parents Association, have been protesting against the alleged irregularities in fee collection at the university. The Andhra Pradesh Parents Association condemned the attack and demanded intervention from Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. They demanded implementation of APHERMC inquiry committee recommendations, cancellation of university permissions, and refund of ₹26.17 crore allegedly collected illegally from students, among other demands.