ABVP disrupts theatre performance at University of Hyderabad, attacks students

Tensions flared at the University of Hyderabad on Sunday evening after a group allegedly linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad disrupted a theatre performance staged by final-year students at the Department of Theatre Arts’ GB Hall. The play reportedly dealt with themes of caste hierarchy and campus politics.

The production, Holi, written by noted Marathi playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar in the 1960s, examines caste-based discrimination and the subtle ways caste structures function within educational institutions, often marginalising vulnerable individuals.

Students and organisers alleged that ABVP members objected to certain references to “Sanskriti” and Brahmanism in the script, claiming the dialogues offended Hindu sentiments, Maktoob Media reported.

Organisers reportedly maintained that the objections were based on selective interpretation, alleging that the protesting group neither viewed the complete play nor read the script in full.

According to students, ABVP members had earlier sought the removal of portions of the play after a previous staging and had warned that the performance would be stopped.

WhatsApp messages allegedly urging “karyakartas” to mobilise against the event were later circulated, after which students and faculty members approached the university administration seeking security arrangements.

Archana C Dramaturge of "Holi" & Alumna of the Department of Theatre Arts, alleged that the situation turned violent during the performance when individuals linked to the ABVP, including student leaders, gathered outside the venue and vandalised property.

She claimed that windows, lights and vehicle glass panes were damaged, stones were thrown at the auditorium, and attempts were made to enter the women’s greenroom through a rear entrance. Students inside reportedly blocked the door using heavy objects to prevent entry.

Several students, including Abhay, Adit, Arshika, Anandu and Devasree, were reportedly injured in the incident and initially treated at the university health centre before being shifted to a nearby hospital.

Organisers further alleged that security personnel and members of student organisations trying to prevent the disruption were attacked with beer bottles.

Witnesses also alleged that some ABVP members raised provocative slogans, including “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maro saalon ko,” during the evacuation process.

Despite the unrest, the play was completed, although performers and audience members reportedly remained confined inside the hall for several minutes as tensions persisted outside. Police later reached the spot and escorted students, faculty members and audience members out safely.

The Ambedkar Students Association condemned the violence and accused the elected Students’ Union of failing to defend constitutional values such as freedom of expression. The organisation also criticised the university administration for allegedly ignoring prior warnings regarding threats to the performance.

Fraternity Movement HCU described the disruption as an attack on the democratic character of universities and urged students to collectively resist what it called a climate of fear and impunity on campus.

The university unit of the Students' Federation of India termed the incident a serious attack on academic freedom and campus democracy, alleging that ABVP members and representatives of the ABVP-led Students’ Union carried out a planned assault on students.

The organisation further claimed that abusive slogans and intimidation continued despite the presence of police and campus security personnel, adding that two of its unit committee members suffered serious injuries.

The Muslim Students Federation described the episode as “campus terror” and accused the ABVP of converting a peaceful academic event into an atmosphere of fear and chaos in the name of hurt religious sentiments. The organisation alleged that the incident reflected a broader attempt to suppress dissenting voices on campuses.