25 students, 2 faculty members held in Hyderabad Central University

Twenty-five students and two faculty members of Hyderabad Central University were arrested on Wednesday in connection with incidents of ransacking of Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile’s lodge and stone pelting on police personnel, the police said.

According to Gachibowli police inspector J. Ramesh, so far two cases have been booked on charges of damage to public property, trespassing and preventing the government officials from performing their duties and other relevant sections of IPC in connection with yesterday’s incidents.

“27 people were arrested in connection with both the incidents. 25 students and two faculty members,” Mr Ramesh told PTI.

All the accused will be produced in a court soon, he added.

Students on Tuesday vandalised the official residence of HCU V-C Appa Rao Podile and the police had to lathicharge a group of students during their protest against him resuming charge after a two-month leave in the wake of suicide by Rohit Vemula on January 17.

Meanwhile, National Students Union of India president Roji M. John in statement alleged that the protesting students have been taken to unknown locations by the police and aren’t traceable.

“Our fight will not stop till our demands are met. HRD minister Smriti Irani, minister Bandaru Dattatreya and V-C Prof. Appa Rao should be punished for Rohith’s death. We demand the immediate arrest of Prof Appa Rao who has been booked under the SC/ST atrocities Act. We will continue till a Rohith Law is enacted,” he said.

As dining halls in the HCU remain closed due to strike, students resorted to cooking in the open area.

“By denying water, food, Internet and media access, the government is playing dirty politics,” the NSUI leader added.