New Delhi, May 6: The Students’ Islamic Organization (SIO) of India has vehemently criticized the closure report issued by the Telangana Police concerning the death of Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad. Vemula’s tragic suicide on January 17, 2016, sparked nationwide outrage and discussions on the prevalent discrimination against Dalits in Indian educational institutions.
In a statement, the SIO expressed deep concern over the closure report, asserting that it has been eight years since Vemula’s suspension and subsequent discrimination, which ultimately led to what they term as his “institutional murder.”
The organization highlighted the widespread protests that followed Vemula’s death, with allegations of institutional marginalization and discrimination against him and his companions based on their Dalit identity. Key figures such as Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao, then Education Minister Smriti Irani, and Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya were specifically accused of contributing to the circumstances that led to Vemula’s demise.
The SIO denounced the closure report as a serious miscarriage of justice, alleging an inherent anti-Dalit bias within the Telangana Police. Calling for a fresh and impartial investigation, they emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth behind Vemula’s death and holding those responsible accountable. The organization reiterated their commitment to seeking transparency and upholding principles of equality and fairness in the pursuit of justice for Rohith Vemula.
