JD(U), CPI (M) leaders meet protesting HCU students

Hyderabad: Janata Dal (U) leaders K C Tyagi and Pawan Verma, and CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP T N Seema were among prominent leaders who called upon Hyderabad Central University (HCU) students who are protesting over the suicide of dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula.

Seema, a member of the Court of HCU, said she has written to the President, the Visitor of the university, stating it's difficult for her to continue on the post unless a meeting of the body is called.

Being a member of the university's Court, Semma said, she will try to meet the officials of the varsity as she is visiting the institution. Hitting out at the NDA government at the Centre, the RS MP alleged it is trying to keep dalits away from institutions of higher education.

I think this is a systematic way of eradicating dalit students from higher education institutions...they are using ABVP and others..., she charged. JD (U) leader Tyagi said his party would bring the ongoing row to the notice of the President.

He said a free and fair investigation into the matter would not be possible if Union ministers Smriti Irani, Bandaru Dattatreya, and Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile continued in their posts. Meanwhile, some students said internet connection in the campus was not available, while others said they cannot confirm it.
PTI