Tension at Osmania University after power and water supply to hostels cut off

The Osmania University in Hyderabad witnessed tension on Saturday, as the power and water supply to all hostels on campus, was cut off at around 7 pm.

This development came days after the varsity administration asked 'non-boarders' to immediately move out of the hostels on campus voluntarily, and threatened to seek police help to forcibly evacuate them. if they failed to do so.

Angry students gathered in the evening outside the Vice Chancellor's office, raising slogans of 'We want justice' and 'police go back', demanding that the power be restored. 

“The university snapped power and water supply in the hostel where post-graduate students are residing. There are various PG students who will be appearing for Gurukul and teacher eligibility test during this month. Such attempts will only impact their academics," Manavatha Roy, a student leader told TOI.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, OU registrar Gopal Reddy said, “The students dispersed around 10 pm after we assured them that the power and water supply will not be disrupted till July 23. Non-boarders are a problem for the university but we decided to not upset the programme of other students because of them.”

Meanwhile, the police denied that a force was deployed in the university, stating that no request was made from the university administration.

Earlier this week, in a statement, the administration said that it continued to bear the financial burden of providing amenities to hostel residents, though regular courses were yet to take off.

The varsity said it had taken some tough decisions like cutting off the power and water supply in order to refurbish hostels and provide better amenities to legitimate boarders.

"This is the opportune time to fix all problems related to amenities in the hostels when classes have not yet commenced for the second year and admissions for the 2017-2018 session is in progress," the statement said.

Among the 'illegal' violators are those who have passed out from the university many years ago, and also those who have no connection with it. 

Media reports pegged the number of non-boarders at 4,000. OU has 22 hostels that can accommodate roughly 8,000 students.