Osmania University V-C heckled over student's death

Hyderabad: Prof S. Ramchandram, vice-chancellor of Osmania University, was caught in the charged atmosphere of students chanting “KCR, down down” outside the hostel room of E. Murali, the first-year MSc physics student who committed suicide on Sunday. The V-C rushed to the spot after hearing the tragedy.

As students pushed the vice-chancellor, demanding justice for Murali, he tried to pacify them and promised justice to the victim. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears and had to leave the spot. Prof Ramchandram said, “I can understand the emotions of students. The police is investigating the matter and has seized documents from his room. His parents will reach by Sunday night.”

Murali’s suicide note spoke about how he was unable to cope with the exams. “His exams were slated for December 14. He has performed well in class tests and his practical tests were on now. There is no much tension in the practical exams. So, I do not know what went wrong,” Ramchandram added.

A Naresh, a student leader, said, “Osmania has been neglected for long. The institute played an important role in the formation of the state. But this suicide showed that even students are sick of false promises.”

Students alleged that the government has not heeded their repeated pleas for employment, standard of education and assistance.

Meanwhile, university officials asked Murali’s teachers if he had displayed any signs of sadness for the past one week. The teachers said that he was a hard working student.