8 years on, Rohith Vemula's suicide case back in news. A recap

It has been eight years since Rohith Vemula, a student of University of Hyderabad, died by suicide on campus and now the Telangana Police have filed a closure report in the case, absolving all accused.

On January 17, 2016, the Gachibowli police station, had received a phone call from the university that one of their students had died by suicide. Later, a suicide note was recovered from Vemula's room which did not blame anyone, stating no one was responsible for his death.

EXCERPTS FROM HIS SUICIDE NOTE

"The value of a man was reduced to his immediate identity and and nearest possibility. To a vote. To a number. To a thing. Never was a man treated as a mind.

I am not hurt at this moment. I am not sad. I am just empty. People may dub me a coward. And selfish, or stupid once I am gone. I am not bothered about what I am called.

No one is responsible for my act of killing myself. No one has instigated me, whether by their acts or by their words, to this act. This is my decision and I am the only one responsible for this. Do not trouble my friends and enemies about this after I am gone".

CLOSURE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

The closure report, submitted to the court on March 21, cited "lack of evidence" as the primary reason for the decision. The report also claimed that the research scholar "was not a Dalit" and died by suicide in 2016 as he feared that his "real identity" would be discovered.

The Cyberabad Police, responsible for the investigation, informed the court that Rohith Vemula did not belong to the Scheduled Caste and that he was aware of it.

• The suicide was deemed unrelated to any university administration or political figures, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Appa Rao Podile.
• Vemula's suicide note indicated personal struggles and dissatisfaction with life, without blaming external factors.
• Despite his involvement in student politics, Vemula's academic performance was overshadowed by personal issues.
• Vemula's awareness of his non-Dalit status and concerns over the validity of his SC certificate were highlighted as potential stressors.

THE CONTROVERSY

Vemula's death had sparked controversy, with allegations of harassment and discrimination preceding his suicide. He had been previously expelled from his hostel following a confrontation with members of ABVP, a student body affiliated with the RSS.

It is said that then MP Bandaru Datttareya was accused of putting pressure on V-C Appa Rao to punish Vemula after this incident, and the matter was allegedly followed up by MLC Ramchender Rao and Union minister Smriti Irani.

Days before his death, Vemula had written a letter to the VC alleging that he was facing harassment, false cases and complaints.

Citing lack of evidence to incriminate the then VC and others for abetment of Vemula’s suicide, the closure report insinuates he possibly feared being exposed for allegedly acquiring an SC Certificate fraudulently.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Vemula's family, particularly his brother Raja Vemula, expressed dissatisfaction with the police's focus on caste rather than addressing the alleged harassment faced by Vemula.

Speaking to India Today, Raja Vemula said, "We have other options to proceed legally. The reason for my brother's suicide is known by everyone. The police have stated falsely in the report. It is not the job of the police to finalise the caste status of Rohith Vemula or anyone else. Their job is to investigate why he committed suicide".

In response to the closure report, students of the University of Hyderabad initiated protests, demanding a re-evaluation of the findings. They expressed their intention to pursue legal avenues to challenge the report's conclusions.