Probe in dalits’ suspension case

Hyderabad: After day-long protests by students, the University of Hyderabad administration decided to form an inquiry committee to examine the suspension of five dalit PhD students and submit a report in three weeks. The suspensions were kept in abeyance.

Earlier, protesting students blocked the entrance to the university’s administration building.

The row started few weeks ago when ABVP student leader N. Susheel Kumar posted a comment on Facebook calling activists of the Ambedkar Students Association goons. He alleged that following this, 30 ASA activists had roughed him up. He was admitted to hospital and his family lodged a complaint with the police.

An inquiry committee set up by the university concluded that there was no evidence to show that Susheel was beaten up, other than some scratches on his shoulder. The security staffer testified that he did not see Susheel assaulted.

The committee filed a report suggesting that the ASA activists and Susheel be given strong warnings.

Following this, another report was released after Susheel presented some persons who testified that he was assaulted. This new report  stated that there was evidence to show Susheel was assaulted, and recommended the suspension of five ASA activists.