Telangana Police has submitted a closure report to the High Court that Rohit Vemula, who had died by suicide at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) does not belong to the Scheduled Caste. However, by late last night, the police said they will investigate the case further. The police have mentioned in the report that they are closing the case because there is no substantial evidence to prove that Rohit Vemula belongs to the SC community.
Following the announcement of the closure report submission to the court, some students protested at the University of Hyderabad. However, Director General of Police, Ravi Gupta clarified, that some doubts have been expressed by the mother and others of the deceased Rohit Vemula on the investigation conducted and it has been decided to conduct further investigation into the case. His office in a note said a petition will be filed in the court requesting the Magistrate to permit further investigation.
Rohit Vemula had committed suicide in January 2016. The case was registered under Section 306 (Abetment to suicide) of IPC, and other sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. However, the police investigation suggests that Vemula’s suicide was driven by the fear of his true caste being disclosed, as he identified himself as belonging to the Scheduled Caste. The closure report absolves former VC of the University of Hyderabad, Appa Rao, Union Minister Smriti Irani, former MLC N Ramachander Rao, and other BJP and ABVP leaders.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
