Mahabubabad CI Removed From Duty After Polytechnic Student Protest Row

A police inspector in Mahabubabad district has been removed from active duty after a video showing him allegedly holding a protesting polytechnic student by the throat triggered outrage on social media. District SP Shabareesh has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.

The controversy erupted during a protest outside the Mahabubabad Collectorate, where polytechnic students were demanding the withdrawal of the ‘Shakti’ scheme and GO-97. The students had attempted to march towards the Collectorate when police intervened to stop them. During the confrontation, CI Raghupathi Reddy was seen allegedly holding two students by their throats.

The visuals quickly spread across social media, prompting criticism over the police response to the student protest. Taking note of the incident, SP Shabareesh said the CI had been temporarily taken off active duty. A DSP-rank officer has been assigned to conduct a higher-level investigation, and further action will be taken based on the findings, the SP said.

The incident has also triggered criticism from opposition parties, which questioned the manner in which the students were treated. They called on the police to show restraint while dealing with demonstrations and stressed that students have the right to protest and voice their concerns in a democratic system.

The confrontation comes against the backdrop of growing opposition among polytechnic students to the proposed changes under GO-97 and the Shakti scheme. Students in several districts staged protests on August 19 against plans to integrate polytechnic colleges with ITIs and Young India Skill University.

Students fear that such a restructuring could have a direct impact on their academic progression and future career opportunities. One of their major concerns is the possible effect on lateral-entry admissions through ECET, which allow diploma holders to enter engineering degree programmes directly.

Protesters have argued that reducing such opportunities could limit their chances of pursuing higher education after completing their diplomas. They have also raised concerns that merging polytechnic education with other skill-training institutions could affect the quality and identity of technical education in Telangana.

With the police inquiry now underway, the incident has added another dimension to the ongoing dispute over GO-97 and the proposed restructuring of polytechnic education in the state.