SFI leaders ‘abducted’ in Tirupati

Two student union leaders were allegedly manhandled and abducted in broad daylight, when they were proceeding to participate in a demonstration at the Tirupati Collectorate, here on Tuesday.

The leaders were on their way to the Collectorate to join the protest against the alleged irregularities of Mohan Babu University, when nearly 30 persons reportedly attacked Students Federation of India (SFI) district general secretary S. Akbar and the federation’s SVU students’ union leader Vinod. They were allegedly pushed into a waiting vehicle and taken away from the spot.

Left leaders led by CITU State vice-president Kandharapu Murali alerted Superintendent of Police (SP) L. Subbarayudu and Additional SP K. Ravi Manoharachari on the incident and demanded immediate action to rescue the union leaders.

It may be recalled that the student organisations, as well as the Andhra Pradesh Parents Association, have been agitating in the recent past against the alleged irregularities in fee collection at the university.

Since the representations submitted to the government evoked no response, the student unions decided to protest at the Collectorate, following which the abduction happened.

A.P. Parents Association State president S. Narahari condemned the attack and urged the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter.

Demanding the implementation of APHERMC inquiry committee recommendations, cancellation of university permissions, refund of ₹26.17 crore allegedly collected illegally from students, enforcement of ₹15 lakh penalty, Mr. Narahari also sought the withdrawal of false cases filed against the parents and students.

Case registered

Meanwhile, Tiruchanur police have filed a case on the abduction issue and named Satheesh, Chancellor M. Mohan Babu and Pro-Chancellor Manchu Vishnu as the accused. The Left leaders called on the student leaders who were admitted at a hospital.