Panel questions Vemula being Dalit, ‘exonerates’ V-C in suicide case
An investigation committee that looked into the suicide of University of Hyderabad scholar Rohith Vemula has concluded that the administration and its vice-chancellor P Appa Rao cannot be held responsible for his death, according to sources in the HRD ministry.
“The report has exonerated the authorities and the vice-chancellor,” the source said.
Vemula’s death in January led to a wave of protests against the NDA government and then HRD minister Smriti Irani. Agitating students said Vemula had been pushed to suicide by a suspension ordered by the V-C upon a prodding from Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya.
The probe by former Allahabad HC judge Ashok Kumar Roopanwal has also reportedly raised questions about Vemula being a Dalit, sources said. The HRD ministry did not confirm that the report has been submitted and refused to comment on the issue.
Roopanwal’s report was expected on August 1 but it was ostensibly delayed over fears that it may have derail the Parliament session.
Read| Time to end controversy: Govt report says Rohith Vemula was a Dalit