Release Hyderabad University students, sack vice-chancellor, demands CPM

New Delhi: The CPM on Wednesday demanded the release of Hyderabad Central University students and the dismissal of Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao whose return has triggered widespread protests. [caption id=“attachment_2598358” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Students protest after the death of Rohith Vemula in a file photo. PTI[/caption] Saying over 30 students were in police custody with no knowledge as to where they were being kept, the CPM said they must be freed immediately. “The vice-chancellor appointed by the Central government should be removed forthwith,” a CPM statement said. “The Telangana Police must proceed on the registered cases against him.” The CPM alleged “brutal police attack on students, faculty members and others” at the Hyderabad University on Tuesday. “The police resorted to heavy lathicharge on the students who were protesting against the return of Appa Rao, who is facing criminal cases for creating circumstances leading to the suicide of (Dalit student) Rohith Vemula,” it said. “It is reported that the university has been sealed, food supplies stopped for hostels, water connections cut off and access to WiFi denied. Also, widespread disciplinary action against the students and some faculty members is also underway. Instead of proceeding on the registered cases against the vice-chancellor, the Telangana Police has resorted to such brutality against the students,” it said. IANS