‘Beef festival’ row at Osmania University: 8 organizers detained, BJP MLA arrested

The police also arrested the former principal of Osmania University College of Arts Prof PL VisheshwarRao who tried to force his way into the campus to take part in the beef festival. Protests erupted, but the police managed to stop beef and pork festivals in the campus after a complete clampdown. We have taken a few people into custody. A curfew like situation prevailed on Osmania University campus which has also affected the academic routine.

Unidentified persons pelted stones at a couple of buses outside the university damaging their windshields. However, nobody was injured.

The big beef vs pork controversy which set the stage for a big clash among students in Osmania University on Thursday fizzled out after police intervention.

Reports are that Mr Singh had recently pledged to celebrate “Gau Seva Diwas” in order to protest the beef festival. Along with the students, a lawmaker Raja Singh was also put under house arrest so as to avert any communal trouble.

Police in riot gear sealed all the entrances to the sprawling campus to foil attempts by any group to organize any program.

Many students were picked up during searches conducted in and around the campus since Wednesday night. “As per court order, we will not allow any festivals on the Osmania University campus”, a police official told reporters.

A city civil court had passed the status quo order three days back, staying the holding of the festivals, on a petition filed by an advocate. The students did this to defy the court’s order.

Right-wing Hindu groups had threatened to stop the festival at any cost.

Meanwhile, Swami Paripoornanda Saraswati, along with his followers, performed “gau-Puja” at a “Gosala” near Lower Tank Bund, around five kms from OU. The judge said the festival would have violated provisions under the Prevention of Cow Slaughtering Act as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.