Rohith was forced to commit suicide: Modi

Five days after a Dalit research scholar committed suicide at the University of Hyderabad, an emotional Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday broke his silence over Rohith Vemula’s death.

Modi referred to Rohith’s suicide during his speech at the convocation ceremony of the Ambedkar University here where a large number of Dalit students were present. A group of students even protested and raised slogans. “Rohith was forced to commit suicide.....his family must be in great pain,” said Modi, adding after a long pause, “Reasons and politics aside, the fact remains that a mother has lost her son...I feel her pain.”  Modi, however, did not go into the reasons behind Rohith’s death.

Modi’s remarks came while he was mentioning the fact that India is the youngest country in the world. At the beginning of his address, a few students, who had worn blue stoles signifying that they were there to receive medals, began shouting “Modi Murdabad” (down with Modi) and “Modi go back”.

The security personnel evicted the slogan shouting students from the hall. Sources said that two students were detained by the police and they were being interrogated at Ashiana police station.

Other Dalit students who were present in the auditorium said it was a spontaneous outburst. “We wanted to register our protest and draw Modi’s attention..we succeeded in doing that,” said Surendra Nigam, a LL.M (masters in law) graduate.

Some students decried the sloganeering and said the protesters only wanted media attention. The varsity officials, who were shocked by the disruption, said that action would be taken against slogan shouting students in accordance with the rules.