Saturday, February 2, 2019

US fake univ racket: Tracking devices fitted on desi youths

Sudipta.Sengupta@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:02.02.2019

In a move termed “grossly deplorable” by local attorneys and residents, the United States police on Thursday strapped tracking devices on several Indian students caught in the ‘University of Farmington’ fiasco. This has been done to restrict the movement of the students, while federal agents probe their immigration status, sources said.

Speaking to TOI from Atlanta, legal consultant Phani Bobba said: “A student reached out to me from Fremont, California saying that they tied a tracker around her ankle and instructed her to stay within a certain radius. She was given a map and asked not to cross the defined boundaries. They also gave her batteries to ensure that the device is charged.” Prior to this, this student from Telangana was detained for over 14 hours.

Reacting to this development, members of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) said the move was “ridiculous” and “grossly unjust.” A similar step was taken in 2011 when dozens of Indian students were detained for being enrolled in the sham ‘Tri-Valley University’ in Pleasanton, California. The move had led to a massive outcry both at home and in the US, with Indian authorities demanding that the radio tags be removed immediately. The National Human Rights Commission had even submitted a representation to the external affairs ministry, pointing out how it amounted to violation of the students’ human rights.

TANA members have met Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian ambassador to the US who was on his maiden trip to Atlanta, along with consul general of India (Atlanta), Swati Vijay Kulkarni. “They promised that they were working closely with the concerned authorities and will resolve the issue in a fast and amicable manner,” said TANA secretary Anjaiah Chowdary Lavu.

Telangana NRI Parents Association has condemned the setting up a fake varsity. Parents claim that it may cause collateral damage to students and their families. “Majority students who sought admission in University of Farmington belong to middle class families. Students detained by the US authorities are innocent as they are purposely trapped in the sting operation. When the government itself touts the university to be registered and recognized, how is it the students’ fault?” questioned Hima Bindu, working president of Telangana NRI Parents Association.

The parents are now planning a protest and a meeting in the city during the weekend against department of homeland security in the US.



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