Student groups at the University of Hyderabad on Wednesday condemned ‘police brutality’ and ‘sexual assault’ on students protesting against VC P Appa Rao.

Reportedly, Uday Bhanu, a PhD scholar was allegedly beaten unconscious by the police for trying to cook, reported IANS. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Social Justice, an umbrella group of 14 bodies said an emergency-like situation had been imposed on the university campus and the authorities had closed the hostel mess, water and internet connection.

The JAC, in a statement on Wednesday, alleged that police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other security personnel unleashed brutal physical and sexual assault on students and teachers on Tuesday.

In a statement on Facebook it said: “Women students were beaten and grabbed by male police officers. After the forcible eviction from the lodge compound, police chased us for another 2 km, and grabbed and arrested students. Students suffered grievous injuries and were taken to hospitals," it said. It has been claimed that 36 students including three officers were picked up, beaten and detained in unknown locations."

JUSTICE FOR ROHITH VEMULA STOP POLICE BRUTALITY IN HCU#JusticeForRohith#StandWithRohithVemula#UoH #policecrackdown Posted by University Community on Wednesday, 23 March 2016

According to a report on ABP Live, water electricity, internet and access to dining halls were cut off on Wednesday, where students are protesting the return of the VC. The students are reportedly participating in a four-day boycott of classes after the lathi charge on Tuesday and the arrest of 28 students.

Student leaders Vijay Kumar and V Sukanna of the Ameedkar Students’ Association claimed a curfew like situation had been imposed on campus ahead of Kanhaiya Kumar’s visit.

“We have taken a decision not to allow any outsider, including mediapersons and political parties, on the campus,” registrar M. Sudhakar said.

Kanhaiya Kumar banned from campus

JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar addressing the media outside Hyderabad Central University in Hyderabad on Wednesday. PTI Photo

JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar addressing the media outside Hyderabad Central University in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)

As unrest continued at the Hyderabad Central University, the varsity authorities also prevented JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar from entering the campus to address the students agitating over the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. Kanhaiya, who came with Rohith's mother and brother to express solidarity with the students, was greeted with slogans for and against him at the gate.

"I came from JNU to HCU to support Rohith Vemula's cause. ....we will have to fulfil Rohith Vemula's dreams. And social justice has to be brought in the country. This Government is not listening to the voice of the students," he said.

Police had kept strict security at the main gate preventing non-students from entering. There were heated arguments between police and CPI leaders who accompanied Kumar as police did not allow them in.

Kanhaiy , after landing in the city, blamed the government for blowing up the issue at JNU (of `anti-national' slogans) only to divert attention from Rohith's suicide and its aftermath.

(With PTI inputs)