Over 1,000 cops deployed to fence government land in GITAM Varsity

VISHAKHAPATNAM: The revenue department has deployed over a thousand police personnel to fence 4.58 acres of government land in the compound of Gitam University.

The police barricaded the road from the highway to Rushikonda as also the beach road at Iskcon temple, causing inconvenience to the commuters, particularly students and office workers. A large number of residents of the Yendada area were also affected by the barricades and pleaded with the police to clear the way.

Bheemili RDO, Bhaskar Reddy, leading the team of surveyors identified the land and began fencing it with barbed wire. Police said the situation was under control. Former MLA and TD leader Gandi Babji arrived at the campus and had an argument with the police officials. He said the fencing should have been taken up in one go and not in phases, as this was causing more inconvenience to the people.

The fencing was being taken up as per the High Court guidelines. It was taken up in four places in Dental college premises. The buildings therein would not be touched.

The RDO said they identified 40 acres of government land in Gitam University premises. Former minister and senior TD leader Bandaru Satyanarayana said the government was “creating a scene for just three acres.” He said the large number of students appearing for the  examinations were inconvenienced.

“After suffering a setback in the 'Kodi Katti' case, the Chief Minister focused on Gitam University to divert the attention of the people,” he alleged.