Vemula could have been alive if HCU acted properly: Tripura CM

Rohit Vemula, the dalit research student who allegedly committed suicide on Hyderabad Central University (HCU) campus, would not have resorted to the extreme step had the administration acted in an "unbiased" way, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said here today.
"This is undoubtedly a very undesirable incident. One cannot deserve it or support it. According to my limited understanding, I would say this incident could have been and should have been avoided," Sarkar said after visiting the HCU campus here this evening to express solidarity with the agitating students.
"There may be ideological differences (among students). At times it may lead to quarrel also. But the administration should solve the problem in an amicable manner without any bias towards any section of students. But I am told (that) in this university, the authorities, the Vice-Chancellor could not act in proper manner. If that kind of (unbiased) stand was taken we wouldn't have lost Rohit," he said in his address to the agitating students.

He also said that the students have a "birth-right" to choose their political or social affiliation.
"Students inside the campus and outside the campus have a right to chose any student organisation or political organisation or social organisation. It's a right of a student, I should say a birth right," the CM said, adding that Rohit's death is a loss to the society.
Vemula, who was suspended last year along with four other students for allegedly assaulting an ABVP leader, hanged himself in a hostel room on HCU last Sunday.
The issue of his suicide has snowballed into a major political storm.