Security breach at Osmania University PG women’s hostel; one intruder caught by students

Hyderabad: In an unsettling incident, at least two unidentified persons broke into the bathroom of Osmania University PG women’s hostel in Secunderabad on Friday. One intruder was captured by alert students, while the other managed to escape.

Students demand immediate arrest

The captured intruder was restrained by students using a dupatta and subsequently handed over to the police. This incident sparked chaos among students, leading to protests in front of the hostel. The students voiced their concerns over the lack of security and demanded the installation of CCTV cameras and other measures to prevent such incidents. They also called for the resignation of the vice-chancellor.

During the protest, students were seen raising slogans ‘We want justice’ as they sat in front of their hostel. Despite police efforts to persuade them to disperse, students persisted in demanding the vice chancellor’s presence.

Two unidentified men broke into #Osmania PG Women's Hostel, causing chaos & attempted to assault students.

The students managed to apprehend one person and handed him to the police, while the other escaped.

Later, students protested urging to enhance security measures… pic.twitter.com/PntgxJJ3TU

— NewsMeter (@NewsMeter_In) January 27, 2024

The university’s principal took prompt cognisance of the incident and initiated an inquiry. Assurances were given to the students that the matter would be resolved swiftly, and steps would be taken to enhance security on the premises.

Demands for improvements in security measures

Police personnel assured the hostelites that necessary security facilities would be provided promptly. The deputy commissioner of police (DCP), North Zone, Rohini Priyadarshini, said that the police are committed to ensuring all required security measures within the specified timeframe.

DCP Priyadarshini, describing the events following the capture, stated that protesters obstructed the police vehicle carrying the apprehended intruder. The DCP engaged with the students, inspected the campus, and identified security lapses, which were communicated to the registrar. The number of miscreants involved is yet to be determined, and a case is pending registration.

Students’ account

A student revealed concerns about the unusual sounds since their return from the Sankranti holidays. Reports of hands appearing through ventilators in washrooms made the students be alerted about the intruders three in number allegedly involved in the incident. While one intruder was captured, students are demanding the apprehension of the others involved.

“It’s really hard to live like this. We are getting anxious because of incidents like this and feeling extremely unsafe. We want the management to do something about it as it is not a small matter at all,” said Pallavi Mohan, a student from OU.

History of trespassing incidents

This incident is not an isolated case, as Osmania University women’s hostels faced similar trespassing issues earlier this month. Incidents prompted student protests, road blockades, and calls for the vice chancellor to address security concerns.

“The recurring security breaches highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard the well-being of us residing in the university hostel. It is really unsafe not knowing who is going to trespass again and when,” said Sofie Mathur, a student from OU.