Students Detained Near Maoist Encounter Site in Andhra Pradesh
Twelve students from various universities were detained by police in Andhra Pradesh while on a "fact-finding" mission near the site where a top Maoist leader, Madvi Hidma, was killed on November 18. The incident occurred in the forest area of Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
Details of the Detention
The students reported being stopped by police at the forest entry point and taken to the Chintoor police station. They were held for approximately nine hours before being released in the evening. The students claimed they were asked to sign notices under Section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which pertains to the prevention of crime, but they refused.
Police Explanation
Police stated that the students were prevented from entering the area due to ongoing combing operations in the forests of Alluri Sitarama Raju district. According to authorities, the area was not safe for civilian access at the time.
Student Background and Purpose
The students, primarily from law disciplines, represented several prominent universities, including:
- Osmania University
- Pondicherry University
- Kakatiya University
- University of Hyderabad
- EFLU (Hyderabad)
The students stated their intention was to investigate the facts surrounding the encounter and to meet with tribal communities living near the site. They emphasized that they were not affiliated with any political party.
Allegations of Harassment After Release
Bhattu Venkateshwarlu, a student from Osmania University, alleged that after their release, police personnel followed them in two vehicles. He further claimed that attempts were made to stop them by orchestrating a protest by local residents. According to Venkateshwarlu, an elderly woman stated she was instructed to participate in the protest and hold a placard. He also claimed that an effigy of Maoists was burned.
Police Response to Allegations
Chintoor ASP Boddu Hemanth offered a different perspective, stating that local residents were angered by continuous bandh calls issued by Maoists. He claimed that upon learning of the students' visit to Maredumilli, where the encounter took place, locals staged a protest at Chintoor, leading to a standoff. To de-escalate the situation, both groups were brought to the police station.
Safety Concerns
ASP Hemanth reiterated that due to ongoing combing operations in the Maredumilli agency area, it was unsafe for the students to visit the encounter site.
Prior Notice
Pavan, another student from Osmania University, stated that the group had sent an open letter to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, the AP Director General of Police (DGP), and Maoist leaders, informing them of their planned visit to the encounter site.
