Hidma Encounter: Police Block Univ Students on fact finding mission

An incident involving the questioning of students from prominent institutions was reported in the Alluri Sitaramaraju (ASR) district on Friday, following an attempt by the group to visit the site of a recent anti-Maoist operation.

Police Action and Security Concerns

Nearly eight to twelve students from universities, including Osmania University, the University of Hyderabad, and others, were stopped by police while attempting to enter the Maredumilli mandal, an area known for active Maoist presence.

It was confirmed that the police action was taken in the aftermath of a major security operation, dubbed 'Operation Sambhav,' in which 13 Maoists, including top commander Madvi Hidma, were reportedly neutralized on November 18 and 19.

The students were taken to the Chintoor police station where they were held for approximately nine hours. The Alluri Sitaramaraju district Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar confirmed that the students were examined to prevent any further law-and-order issues. It was stated that access to the area was restricted because combing operations were still being conducted, and there was a high risk of danger due to heavy Maoist movement along the Odisha border. It was further noted by the SP that the students refused to share their family contact details when safety information was sought by the police.

Students Claim Detention and Fact-Finding

Conversely, a different version of events was presented by the students. It was asserted by them that they were not affiliated with any political party and were purely on a "fact-finding" mission to ascertain the truth about the encounter and meet with local tribal residents.

It was alleged by the students that they were detained for nine hours and attempts were made by police to force them to sign notices under Section 149 of the CrPC (a preventive measure to avert a crime), which was refused by the group.

Disputed Accounts of Local to Protests

The police stated that the students were brought into the station to defuse a standoff. It was claimed that a protest was staged by anti-Maoist local residents who were angered by frequent bandh calls enforced by the insurgents, leading to an altercation with the students.

However, the students countered this claim. It was alleged by them that the protest was organized by local police elements and that after their release in the evening, they were followed by police vehicles, with attempts being made to stop them by organizing staged protests.

Ultimately, the students were released, but the incident has prompted a broader debate regarding the students' right to investigate police encounters in sensitive areas and the nature of ongoing security operations.