Dalit scholar's suicide: JNU students go on indefinite hunger strike

New Delhi: At least three students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have gone on an indefinite hunger strike in the national capital demanding justice in the case of the suicide of Rohith Vemula- the Dalit scholar from Hyderabad University.

Seven students were hospitalised yesterday on the fourth day of the stir at the Hyderabad University and another group of seven students today sat on an indefinite hunger strike.

Meanwhile, the University of Hyderabad Vice Chancellor Appa Rao Podile, whose resignation is being sought by the protesting students, has gone on leave.

A note on their official website said: The Vice-Chancellor will be on leave. In the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vipin Srivastava, the Seniormost Professor, shall perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor w.e.f. 24-01-2016 (F.N.).

Various student groups have been protesting over the issue in the national capital since last week. Rohith Vemula, a Dalit PhD scholar, was found hanging at the Central University`s hostel room on January 17.

He was among the five research scholars who were suspended by Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in August last year and also one of the accused in the case of assault on an ABVP student leader. They were also kept out of the hostel.

The suspension was revoked later.