The ongoing land dispute between the Telangana government and the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has escalated, prompting students to launch an indefinite protest and boycott classes. The controversy centers around 400 acres of land adjacent to the university in Kancha Gachibowli, which the state government seeks to claim for development purposes. Amid rising tensions, student demonstrations have led to police interventions and political debates.

Why Are Students Protesting?

The University of Hyderabad Students’ Union (UoHSU), along with various student organisations, has accused the university administration of facilitating the Telangana government’s efforts to claim the land. They allege that earth-moving machinery was brought in to clear the area without proper consultation. The students are demanding the immediate removal of police personnel and machinery from the site, as well as a written assurance that the land will be officially registered under the university’s name. They also seek transparency regarding discussions held during the Executive Committee meeting on the matter.

Timeline of Events

Sunday, March 30: Protests Erupt

Tensions first arose on Sunday when students noticed the presence of earthmovers and police on the eastern side of the campus. In response, protests broke out, leading to the detention of 53 students who attempted to block the authorities. However, they were later released. The demonstration was sparked by reports that the Telangana government planned to auction the land to establish an IT park in the area. A section of the student body opposes this move, citing environmental concerns.

Monday, March 31: Heavy Police Presence

The situation escalated further on Monday, with police detaining more students protesting against the land clearance activities. The UoHSU condemned the police crackdown, calling it excessive and unjustified. Security forces remained stationed in the area, further aggravating the students.

Tuesday, April 1: Indefinite Protest Announced

On Tuesday, the UoHSU and other student bodies declared an indefinite boycott of classes. They reiterated their demand for the withdrawal of police forces and heavy machinery from the disputed land. Additionally, they insisted that the state government provide a formal declaration confirming that the land belongs to the university.

Meanwhile, BJP legislators, led by Legislature Party floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy, attempted to visit the disputed site but claimed they were prevented from doing so by law enforcement. Reddy alleged that police officers blocked them from leaving their residences without issuing a formal notice explaining the restrictions. Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state president Sevella Mahender also announced a "Chalo HCU" march, with participants expected to arrive at the protest site by 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Political Reactions: KTR Calls Out Rahul Gandhi

The dispute has also taken a political turn, with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on social media. KTR accused Gandhi of hypocrisy, pointing out that during his time in opposition, he had visited the university multiple times to support student protests, particularly in the wake of Rohith Vemula’s death. However, now that Congress is in power in Telangana, KTR alleged that Gandhi has remained silent as the government suppresses protests and deploys police forces against students.

KTR also warned of severe environmental consequences if the land is cleared for development, likening Hyderabad’s potential future to Delhi’s pollution crisis. He criticised the state’s "bulldozer politics" and urged the government to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before proceeding with any projects.

Telangana Government Asserts Land Ownership

The Telangana government maintains that the 400-acre land parcel belongs to the state and was officially transferred in 2004, with reaffirmation in 2006. Officials have accused political leaders and real estate groups of misleading students regarding the land’s status. The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) has stated that it legally proved its ownership in court, warning that any disputes over the matter could be considered contempt of court.

The government also claims that a land survey was conducted in July 2024 with the university’s consent, during which the boundaries were finalised in the presence of UoH officials.

University Challenges Government Claims

In contrast, the University of Hyderabad refutes the state government’s assertions, stating that no official land survey took place in July 2024. UoH Registrar Devesh Nigam clarified that while a preliminary inspection of the land’s topography was conducted, no formal survey or demarcation process was undertaken by revenue authorities.

Nigam also denied claims that the university had agreed to hand over the land to the state. However, official sources countered this statement, pointing to documents that allegedly prove the land was transferred to the government in 2004.

The land dispute at Hyderabad University has triggered significant unrest among students, leading to protests, political confrontations, and police interventions.

While the Telangana government insists that it legally owns the 400-acre parcel, students and university officials challenge this claim, demanding transparency and accountability. With protests escalating and political parties weighing in, the issue is likely to remain contentious in the coming days.