On March 30, 2025, police detained 52 students during a peaceful protest at the University of Hyderabad (UoH).

The demonstration was organized in opposition to the Telangana government’s plans to develop a 400-acre tract of forest land in the Kancha Gachibowli area, located behind the university campus. Students and some faculty members dispute the government’s claim to the land, asserting that it falls under the university’s jurisdiction. However, previous rulings by the Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court have upheld the state’s claim to the land.

Tensions escalated after students allegedly witnessed bulldozers entering the forested area. In response, they marched toward the East Campus to demonstrate, where they were met by a heavy police presence. Videos circulated online show students marching and chanting slogans before being forcibly dragged and pushed into police vehicles by officers. No injuries were reported. Police arrested dozens of students, most of whom were released later that evening.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during an on-campus protest and detention of students for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://telanganatoday.com/sfi-pdsu-condemns-arrest-of-university-of-hyderabad-students-want-sale-of-lands-stopped
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/hyderabad-university-students-detained-protests-campus-land-takeover-telangana-government-2701420-2025-03-30
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/uoh-students-detained-for-protesting/articleshow/119769857.cms
https://newsarenaindia.com/states/hyderabad-university-students-police-clash-over-land-grab/40197
https://www.ndtv.com/hyderabad-news/tension-at-hyderabad-university-as-students-protest-bulldozers-on-land-next-to-campus-8051547

Note: This report was drafted in part using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, with SAR staff reviewing and as necessary adjusting the content prior to publication.