Behind Rohit Vemula’s suicide: how Hyderabad Central University showed him the door | India News - The Indian Express

Rohith Vemula's Suicide

Rohith Chakravarthi Vemula, a Dalit research scholar at Hyderabad Central University, committed suicide on January 17, 2016. His death sparked widespread protests and a political controversy.

Sequence of Events

• Vemula and four other students were suspended from the university following a clash with an ABVP leader.
• A BJP MP wrote to the HRD ministry, alleging anti-national activities by the students.
• Vemula's stipend was stopped, causing financial hardship.
• The students protested their suspension.
• Vemula was found dead in his hostel room, leaving behind a suicide note.

Political Fallout

The incident led to accusations of caste discrimination and political interference in university affairs. An FIR was filed against a BJP MP and university officials under the SC/ST Act for abetment to suicide. The HRD ministry launched a fact-finding inquiry.

Aftermath

Vemula's suicide highlighted issues of caste discrimination, financial struggles faced by students, and political interference in higher education in India. His family expressed grief over the loss of their son, who had aspired to be a scientist.