The Osmania University campus has always been a favourite spot for lovers looking for a bit of space and intimacy. Students, however, complain that the trend is on the rise and scores of couples are spotted at any given time all over the sprawling campus these days. There have been around 40 incidents this year alone where students residing at the OU hostels have resorted to moral policing and assaulted these couples.
Srikanth Goud, a Second Year MCJ OU student said, “A month ago we caught a couple red-handed behind the Arts college in a white Swift. Despite being on the wrong, he threatened us and said that the university was not owned by the students and it was none of our business. We immediately informed the management, however, the couple managed to speed away.”
Students feel that the University campus is being used as a lovers’ park and drunkards’ den by the general public and degrading its reputation. Mr Krishna Kishore, an M.Tech student said, “Many times we have damaged vehicles of these couple and have also beaten them up, however, there does not seem to be any change. They bribe the patrolling officials and get away. I have also often found empty beer bottles thrown near our blocks.” When contacted, Mr P. Ashok at the OU police station said, “Till date we have not received any complaints regarding this issue, our guards are on constant patrolling trips. Students should inform us and the V-C if they spot these pairs on campus.”