Rohith Vemula suicide case: Hyderabad V-C can't be held responsible, concludes HRD probe panel

A probe panel constituted by the HRD Ministry to probe into the suicide of University of Hyderabad scholar Rohith Vemula has now concluded that its vice-chancellor P Appa Rao cannot be held responsible for his death.

New Delhi: A probe panel constituted by the HRD Ministry to probe into the suicide of University of Hyderabad scholar Rohith Vemula has now concluded that the administration and its vice-chancellor P Appa Rao cannot be held responsible for his death.

“The report has exonerated the authorities and the vice-chancellor,” Hindustan Times quoted a HRD Ministry source as saying.

The investigation carried out by former Allahabad HC judge Ashok Kumar Roopanwal also reportedly raised questions about Vemula's caste and being a Dalit.

Vemula’s death in January had triggered a wave of protests against the NDA government and then HRD minister Smriti Irani. Hyderabad University, which agitated over the issue, said that Vemula was pushed to suicide by a suspension ordered by the V-C upon a prodding from Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya.

However, there has been no confirmation regarding the same from the HRD ministry.

Roopanwal’s report was expected on August 1 but it was ostensibly delayed over fears that it may have derail the Parliament session. a