**Andhra University Students Call Off Protest After Announcement of Inquiry Committee**
Visakhapatnam: Andhra University students called off their protest over the death of a colleague on Friday following the announcement of a committee to look into their demands.
Cooperative Society officer Triveni, representing the District Collector, visited the university and announced that a committee would be constituted. This committee will include the superintendent of King George Hospital (KGH), the principal of Andhra Medical College, and another medical expert to investigate the issues raised by the students.
The protesting students submitted their 10 demands to the official. Vice-Chancellor G. P. Rajasekhar assured them that the committee would address their concerns before the end of the Dussehra festival.
**Background of the Protest**
Tensions had escalated at Andhra University after students protested vehemently over the death of B.Ed student V. Venkata Sai Manikantha. The student passed away on Thursday in Satavahana hostel, which triggered widespread protests.
Students claimed that the death could have been prevented if adequate medical support had been available on campus. They criticized the university for its poorly equipped medical facilities and alleged administrative negligence. The protesters also accused Vice-Chancellor Rajasekhar of neglecting his responsibilities.
On Thursday, the situation worsened when students marched to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, accusing him of ignoring their pleas and labeling them as a mob. The protests continued the next day in front of the registrar’s office, with students raising slogans against the Vice-Chancellor upon his arrival.
Among their demands were the withdrawal of the police force from campus and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased student’s family.
**Clashes and Administrative Response**
A minor scuffle occurred between protesting students and police officers, compelling the district administration to intervene and restore order.
Due to the unrest, university authorities declared the Dussehra holidays a day earlier than planned. Originally set for September 28 to October 5, the holidays were rescheduled to begin on September 27.
**Political Reactions**
The student wing of the YSR Congress Party claimed that Manikantha’s death resulted from a lack of oxygen cylinders in the university dispensary. They condemned the Vice-Chancellor’s negligence and demanded his resignation.
The YSRCP student wing further blamed Education Minister Nara Lokesh and his administration for the incident, highlighting the failure to provide even basic healthcare facilities within university campuses.
Responding in the Assembly on Friday, Education Minister Lokesh alleged that certain forces were attempting to create unrest in higher education institutions. He assured that the government is open to dialogue with the student union to address their concerns.
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*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/andhra-university-students-end-protest-after-committee-formed-to-investigate-death-of-bed-student
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