AMN /
Protests and demostrations continued for the second day today over the suicide of a Dalit research scholar, Rohit Vemula of Hyderabad Central University on campus even as several political parties sought stern action against the University authorities and Union HRD Minister and Labour Minister.
Telangana Jagruti Yuva Morcha held a demonstration outside the residence of Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, who has been accused in the suicide case.
The body of the dalit research scholar was found hanging in the varsity’s hostel room, which sparked massive protests.
Students gathered in the administrative block of the university and shouted slogans, seeking ‘justice’ for the dalit student. Police said the situation was peaceful.
Tension continues to prevail on the Hyderabad Central University campus for the second day today.
The Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya has been alleged for writing a letter to the HRD minister Smrithi Irani seeking action against the students in connection with the attack on a ABVP leader. Agitators laid seize this morning on the University administration building and also on the Labour Minister’s residence seeking the centre to take action against the two ministers.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Dr Punia who visited the university to talk to students said the matter will be enquired and submit its recommendations to the Government, Mr Dattatreya. Meanwhile, Congress vice-president will be visiting the University of Hyderabad to meet the students after a scholar allegedly committed suicide sparked protests from many quarters. Party Telangana leaders announced that Mr Gandhi along with party General Secretary Digvijay Singh will meet the students of the university.
Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh has alleged that the suicide by Rohith Vemula, a dalit scholar in Hyderabad reflected the mindset of the BJP against dalits. In series of tweets, Mr Singh said, vice-chancellors have been handpicked by the BJP-RSS and they would be interested to promote ABVP rather than Academics.
He also asked the all student wings must come together to fight communal forces on the Campus. Mr Singh who is in charge of party affairs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh also said, partisan attitude of VC and the Minister Bandaru Dattatreya led to expulsion of Dalit students. The University of Hyderabad campus yesterday witnessed widespread protests after the dalit student’s body was found hanging in a hostel room on Sunday.
Another Congress leader Kumari Selja has said the Prime Minister should ask for the resignation of Labour Minister, Bandaru Dattatreya. She said action must also be taken against the HRD minister. Mrs. Selija alleged that this horrific incident is part of the Modi government’s unabated agenda to undermine the rights of the underprivileged in India. She said this incident is a culmination of the social boycott of Dalits from the HCU campus and the passing of derogatory remarks by ABVP activists.
Meanwhile, Commenting on Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Hyderabad, Union Minister Mukhatar Abbas Naqvi said its time to show compassion towards the unfortunate death of the student. Mr Naqvi told reporters that the Congress should not make an issue out of it.