While India unites in grief and resolve after the Pahalgam terror attack and responds militarily through ‘Operation Sindoor’, controversial remarks by an academic have sparked outrage across Telangana.
Dr. Sujatha Surepalli, Principal of the Arts College at Satavahana University, Karimnagar and a member of the Telangana State Higher Education Council, allegedly mocked the name “Operation Sindoor” on Facebook on May 7, drawing widespread criticism. Several student and nationalist groups accused her of disrespecting the Indian Army and undermining national security efforts.
In response, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Karimnagar activists staged a protest outside the university, burning an effigy of Prof. Surepalli and demanding her immediate suspension and the filing of a sedition case. On 7 May, a formal representation was submitted to the Vice Chancellor calling for her dismissal.
Following severe backlash from the public, she deleted the Facebook post.
Student leaders allege that figures like Sujatha Surepalli, who often present themselves as liberal intellectuals, are in fact “habitual offenders” and true Urban Naxal when it comes to insulting the armed forces and defending anti-national elements under the guise of free speech. She visited Pakistan via Wagha border.
She actively participates in several programmes as a women’s, Ambedkarite, and human rights activist, often in support of Maoist activities. She also contested as an MLA candidate from the Bahujan Samaj Party in the 2018 Telangana Assembly Elections.
Happy to share my new role as an advisory member on the #TSStateEducation Commission. A rare opportunity to channel over two decades of my work towards education. Grateful for overwhelming support from friends and well-wishers. @TSEduDept Dept @Murali_IASretd TelanganaCMO pic.twitter.com/XGObGRjQtK
— Sujatha Surepally (@ssurepally) October 27, 2024
Meanwhile, BJP Karimnagar District team also led a delegation to Commissioner of Police Gous Alam, demanding legal action against Prof. Surepalli for her “anti-national remarks.”
Amid the ongoing national military operation, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy convened an emergency review meeting. Speaking after reviewing developments with the Army, Police, Disaster Management, and other emergency services, the Chief Minister stated: “Taking advantage of the situation, those who make provocative statements on social media should be dealt with strictly by the police. It has been instructed that those who disturb law and order should be dealt with most severely, and that the cyber security department should remain alert.”
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