On May 4, 2026, student groups clashed at the University of Hyderabad during a play critiquing caste hierarchy.

“Holi,” a play written by Mahesh Elkunchwar in the 1960s, examines how caste operates within educational institutions. A group of Theatre Department students staged the performance as part of a final-year academic exercise. Many of the student organizers of the event were members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).

Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) objected to the play after watching an initial performance, alleging that it contained content offensive to Hindu sentiments and religious beliefs. According to theatre students, ABVP members demanded that the director remove specific portions of the play for subsequent shows. After learning of WhatsApp messages calling for a mobilization against the performance, students and faculty requested security from the university administration, which allowed the event to proceed.

The show’s dramaturg alleged that during the May 4 performance, ABVP-affiliated individuals arrived and attempted to force their way into the venue. Event workers denied them entry because the hall was already at capacity and the performance was underway. Following this, they allegedly began throwing stones and beer bottles, vandalizing property, and attempting to enter the women’s greenroom through the back entrance. Organizers also stated that security personnel were attacked with beer bottles while attempting to contain the disruption. Despite the disruption, the performance concluded as planned, though two students outside were injured and required stitches.

ABVP members claimed in response that they were peacefully protesting the play when SFI members attacked them.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent clashes between student groups on campus during an academic event. Scholars at Risk calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid violence. University authorities have the right and obligation to maintain order, which they must with due regard for the rights of protesters and others, including the rights to free expression, academic freedom, peaceful assembly, and due process.

Sources:
https://maktoobmedia.com/post?id=115412&slug=abvp-violently-disrupts-play-critiquing-caste-hierarchy-at-university-of-hyderabad-students-attacked
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/ruckus-at-university-of-hyderabad-over-a-play-student-groups-clash/article70942513.ece
https://madhyamamonline.com/india/abvp-disrupts-theatre-performance-at-university-of-hyderabad-attacks-students-1517748
https://www.thenewsminute.com/telangana/uoh-abvp-members-pelt-stones-over-satirical-play-2-students-injured