The kin of deceased Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula yesterday demanded immediate unconditional release of 25 students and two faculty members of Hyderabad Central University (HCU) who were arrested in connection with incidents of vandalism at the VC’s lodge and stone pelting on police personnel on March 22
Hyderabad: The kin of deceased Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula yesterday demanded immediate unconditional release of 25 students and two faculty members of Hyderabad Central University (HCU) who were arrested in connection with incidents of vandalism at the VC’s lodge and stone pelting on police personnel on March 22.
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Radhika Vemula, Dalit scholar and HCU student Rohith Vemula’s mother. Pic/AFP
“We demand immediate and unconditional release of all those who were arrested and sent to jail, and withdrawal of cases against them. They (students) were asking for justice for Rohith (during the protest near VC's lodge)...but were beaten up brutally by police,” said Rohith’s mother Radhika and brother Raja, along with certain teachers of HCU and parents of some of the arrested students.
They also sought immediate arrest of HCU Vice Chancellor Appa Rao Podile, stating that there was a case registered against him for abetment of Rohith’s suicide.
“A case is already registered against Appa Rao and how can he resume his duty? Over two months have passed since registration of the case, but no one has (either) been questioned or arrested,” Radhika said, adding, cases were registered against students who were arrested and jailed.
A local court has posted the hearing on the bail pleas of the arrested students and the faculty members on March 28.