Dalit scholar's suicide: Fresh batch of students to sit for hunger strike

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the University of Hyderabad would decide on the fresh batch of students, who would sit on a hunger strike demanding justice for Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide on January 17.

"There were six people, whose health conditions deteriorated. They were forcefully shifted to heath centre of the university. They are all in medical care now," Ram Avtar, one of the protestors, told ANI.

"Their blood pressure and sugar level was fluctuating. Some people were critical earlier. So, this time the university authorities didn't want a similar situation to take place. However, no one from the administration has come to negotiate on the matter," he added.

The protestor further stated that the authorities should cater to the demands of the students and allow the university to function normally.

The impasse between the JAC of students and the university administration continued as the academic suspension entered its tenth day today.

Amid calls for him to step down, Vice-Chancellor in-charge Vipin Srivastava appealed to help the administration 'restore normality at the earliest'.

M.A. student Mubashir, who was part of the hunger strike that started three days ago in the university, along with six others was shifted to the campus Health Centre after he fainted at around 1.30 p.m. yesterday.

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

Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar, was found hanging at the Central University's hostel room on January 17.

He was among the five research scholars, suspended by the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) in August last year.

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The HCU has already revoked suspension of the four students, following uproar over Vemula's suicide.