Students and ABVP members demand an immediate halt or relocation of Dussehra helicopter rides, alleging repeated disruptions to classroom teaching at Tumkur University
Tumkur University students boycotted classes and joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members in a campus protest against helicopter rides organised for Tumakuru Dussehra celebrations. Students alleged that frequent helicopter movements disrupted lessons and demanded immediate intervention from authorities.
Tumakuru: Tumkur University students boycotted classes and joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members in a protest against helicopter rides organised as part of the Tumakuru Dussehra celebrations. The protesters alleged that repeated helicopter movements were disrupting classroom teaching and affecting students’ concentration.
The helicopter rides began on Sunday, October 11, at the university campus ground. According to the students, the rides operate from 8.30 am and are scheduled to continue until the Dussehra celebrations conclude. They claimed that helicopter movements every 10 minutes interrupted lessons, leaving them with limited time to concentrate on their studies.
Tumkur University Students And ABVP Demand Immediate Action
Speaking with NewsFlash Daily™, HR Guruprasad, ABVP Tumakuru division convener, demanded that the helicopter rides be stopped immediately or shifted to another location.
Guruprasad said students had boycotted classes to participate in the protest and warned that the demonstration was only the beginning. He said Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok K V had asked protesters to allow one day to address the issue.
Guruprasad added that students would protest again if helicopter rides resumed during college hours on October 14.
During the demonstration, SP Ashok K V reportedly told students that the authorities had already paid for a private helicopter for this year's celebrations. He said the rides could not be stopped suddenly and asked students to adjust for the current year, adding that the helicopter rides would be cancelled from next year.
Police personnel also attempted to detain the Protesters.
Tumkur University Students Allege Classroom Disruption And Mental Stress
Addressing NewsFlash Daily™, an undergraduate student, Kavya (name changed), said students had submitted requests several times but had received no response. She said protesters had been waiting for around one-and-a-half hours and alleged that the disruption was affecting the mental well-being of students and lecturers.
Another student, Bhaskar (name changed), said students were dissatisfied with the SP's response, claiming they had raised similar concerns and submitted a letter the previous year. He argued that earlier complaints and media reports should have prompted preventive action.
Some students alleged that the University College of Arts principal had discouraged students from participating in the protest by instructing lecturers not to send students to the demonstration. NewsFlash Daily™ could not independently verify the allegation.
Deputy Commissioner Yet To Respond To Students' Concerns
NewsFlash Daily™ contacted Tumakuru Deputy Commissioner Shubha Kalyan for a response, but no response had been received at the time of publication.
The helicopter ride price reportedly varies depending on bookings, with the per-person cost reaching ₹4,100. The protesting students have demanded an immediate resolution to the disruption rather than a commitment to cancel the rides next year.
