National

Osmania University Prohibits Protests, Reverses Decision Following Backlash

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

Osmania University, once a vibrant hub of student activism in Telangana, faced significant backlash after imposing restrictions on protests and sit-in demonstrations across its campus and affiliated institutions. This decision drew sharp criticism from Union Minister for Mines and BJP state president G Kishan Reddy, as well as BRS working president KT Rama Rao, who condemned the Congress government’s actions.

In response to the uproar, university officials issued a clarification asserting that the new rules were not an outright ban and that the institution remains committed to supporting students’ rights to peaceful protest.

On March 13, the university released a circular stating, “Osmania University is a highly respected educational institution dedicated to fostering a conducive and peaceful learning environment. Recently, there have been multiple occurrences of students and student groups entering various departments, colleges, and administrative buildings to conduct demonstrations and dharnas, which disrupted administrative operations and distorted the public perception of the university.” The circular highlighted concerns about how these incidents impaired the “smooth functioning” of the university, causing delays in operational and academic progress and raising security issues. Prohibited actions included trespassing, staging dharnas, chanting slogans, obstructing administrative duties, and using inappropriate language towards university staff.

As expected, various student unions vehemently opposed the circular, demanding its immediate retraction which they described as “undemocratic.” Students gathered in front of the iconic Arts College, voicing their dissent against the Vice-Chancellor. KT Rama Rao responded swiftly, stating, “Suppressing student voices is a clear symptom of dictatorship. The Congress government in Telangana is revealing its true intentions by infringing on students’ essential right to protest. Osmania University, which was pivotal in the Telangana movement, is being transformed into a prison under this oppressive regime.” He faced reminders regarding similar attempts made by the BRS during its term.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized Osmania University’s legacy as a center for activism, recalling past instances of government suppression. He commented, “This pattern has repeated itself under various administrations, whether during KCR’s rule or earlier under the Congress. Recent actions by Revanth Reddy echo past restrictions on protests and demonstrations. If the people of Telangana choose to protest, no government can suppress that.”

In light of the widespread outrage, the university clarified that its directive had been “misinterpreted” and “misunderstood.” The statement confirmed that the restrictions were not a comprehensive ban on student protests or agitations in open spaces within the university but were limited to academic and administrative areas.

National

Killers Travelled 1,400 Km to Murder Delhi Professor

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Delhi Police solved the murder case of Delhi University professor Debosmita Paul within three days.

Investigators found that the accused had travelled nearly 1,400 km from West Bengal to Delhi to carry out the crime.

Police used CCTV footage, cab booking records, and GPS data to trace the suspects.

Seven special teams conducted raids across four states and arrested the accused in Bardhaman, West Bengal.

The investigation revealed that the murder was linked to a property dispute involving Paul’s ancestral property.

The swift and technology-driven investigation has been widely praised.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.