University responsible for Rohith’s death: fact-finding tribunal

Rohith Vemula’s death was caused both by acts of commission as well as omission by the Hyderabad University, according to The Independent Peoples Tribunal on Human rights and the Environment.

The tribunal visited the university on January 25-26 and spoke to students and members of the administration, according to a media release. It said that several acts of commission as well as failures in carrying out duties had a role to play in Rohith’s death.

The Proctorial Board which recommended that the students be suspended had a poor understanding of the constitution, which was a matter of concern, the tribunal said.

The release said: “Recommendations of the Proctoral Committee were shocking and the Committee could prescribe such a punishment reflects their lack of understanding of the Constitution, and is a matter of concern.”

A team of Justice Suresh H, Editor Desi Disa Sujata Surepalli, chairman of CBC federation US Rao, Researcher and Senior advocate Meena Menon, and Gayatri Singh met the family, students, faculty members of Rohith Vemula who were available at the campus.

The fact finding team also reported, that the Office of the Vice Chancellor not only suppressed the letter written by Rohith Vemula on December 18, 2015,but also refused to revoke the suspension of the four Dalit students who met the VC along with other ASA members.

According to the observation of the fact finding team, it was evident that the Vice Chancellor allowed his office to be used by the Minster of Human Resource and Development to advance its own political agenda.