5 EFLU student leaders booked for pro-Palestine march on campus

Hyderabad: Five student leaders of the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Telangana Police following a march in solidarity with Palestinians.

The FIR includes non-bailable offences, citing allegations of ‘supporting another country’ and defaming India. The protest, which began peacefully, allegedly escalated after attacks by ABVP cadres and aggressive police intervention.

EFLU Student Union march turns violent

On 7 October, the EFLU Student Union organised a peaceful march on campus to denounce the ongoing violence in Palestine and express solidarity with global pro-Palestine movements. Students also put up posters and flags as part of the demonstration.

According to student leaders, as the event concluded, ABVP members entered the venue, tore down the posters, stamped on keffiyehs and physically and verbally assaulted students participating in the march. Police officers reportedly arrived soon after, siding with the ABVP and using aggressive tactics against students.

One protester wearing a keffiyeh was allegedly dragged and detained by the police.

Female student leaders, including Union office bearers, were reportedly manhandled and verbally abused by male officers. Students say that officers drew guns and threatened lathi charges, creating chaos and fear among the protesters.

Student leaders escalated tensions, say police

The FIR (Cr. No. 437/2025, PS Osmania University) names five student leaders, including Union Joint Secretary Noora (also a National Executive Committee member of the Fraternity Movement) and Shaheen Ahmed (Fraternity Movement National Secretary), along with other unidentified students.

The FIR alleges that these students instigated public disorder, obstructed police duty, and expressed support for another country through slogans and visible solidarity with Palestine. It also mentions other students, including Sagnik Mridul, who allegedly entered the campus from outside, displayed a Palestine flag, and provoked confrontation, which reportedly escalated tensions between the two student groups.

Police claim that roughly 100–150 students were involved, split between pro-Palestine and pro-India groups. The FIR states that the accused obstructed police efforts, pushed officers, and caused damage to property, including the complainant’s wristwatch and uniform insignia.

Students seek information on detained alumni

EFLU students and activists have expressed concern that a peaceful demonstration was disrupted, that ABVP members received support from the police and that female leaders were targeted. They are also seeking information regarding the detention of an alumni, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Legal measures being considered include:

• Habeas Corpus Petition if the detained alumni’s location is not disclosed within 24 hours.

• Challenge to the FIR through bail or quashing petitions for the student leaders.

• Formal requests for custody records from local police stations to verify detention.

• Engagement with lawyers and activists for legal advice and advocacy.

Political movements under watch

The EFLU campus has experienced tensions in the past over student protests, with authorities taking strong action against demonstrations that are politically or ideologically sensitive.

In this instance, the focus on Palestine has resulted in an escalation involving both partisan student groups and law enforcement, raising concerns about freedom of speech and assembly on university campuses.

The legal proceedings against the student leaders and the unknown status of the detained alumni are likely to draw attention to the treatment of student dissent and the role of police and administration in managing campus protests.