Students Under Scrutiny: Police Question University Visitors at Maoist Encounter Site

Eight students from prominent universities were questioned by police following their visit to a Maoist encounter site in Alluri Sitaramaraju district. The questioning aimed to prevent law-and-order issues amid heightened Maoist activity. Local protests against Maoism and demands for infrastructure developments have surged in response.

Authorities in Alluri Sitaramaraju district interrogated eight students from Osmania University and the University of Hyderabad after their visit to a recent Maoist encounter site, a police official reported Saturday. Following questioning, all students were released as law enforcement attempts to maintain order in an area fraught with Maoist activity.

District Superintendent Amit Bardar clarified that the students were not detained but were interviewed to mitigate potential law-and-order disruptions. Although cooperative, the students declined to provide family contact information, a measure aimed at ensuring their safety amid escalating Maoist movements near the Odisha border.

The region has witnessed numerous anti-Maoist protests, including a significant rally on November 20 in Annavaram. Protesters, opposing Naxalism and demanding essential infrastructure, have voiced concerns over 'foreign elements' entering their territory from neighboring states.

(With inputs from agencies.)