Show proof of Maoist presence in OU, SC tells AP

With the Andhra Pradesh Government expressing the fear that Maoists had infiltrated into the Osmania University campus in the guise of students, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked whether the State Government has any evidence to corroborate their point. In case they have any  evidence, they should establish the same by Thursday, the court demanded.

Hearing on the State Government plea to let the police and paramilitary forces stay on the Osmania University campus in Hyderabad, the Supreme Court posted the case for hearing on Thursday. The apex court gave the State Government two days' time to prove the presence of Maoists on OU campus.

Meanwhile, Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof Tirupati Rao has categorically denied the presence of Maoists on the campus. When the newsmen asked Rao about the State Government's stand at the apex court, Rao said, ''I don't know why the Home MInister has given such a report to the Government. We have no information about the presence of the Maoists on the campus or about them taking shelter in the student hostels.''

So far, only allegations had been made about the presence of Maoists but none of the Maoists have been arrested.

The Osmania University examinations which have been postponed continuously due to agitations for several weeks may commence in a couple of days. Counsel Prashant Ghosh appearing for the students argued that since the exams are starting in a few days, the police forces should be withdrawn from the campus to restore peace on the campus.