The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly condemns the brutal police attack on students, faculty members and others in the Hyderabad Central University yesterday. The police resorted to very intense lathicharge on the students who were protesting against the return of Vice Chancellor Appa Rao, who is facing criminal cases for creating circumstances leading to the tragic suicide of Rohith Vemula. Male police personnel assaulted girl students using foul language.
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. This is an affront to the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right of organising protests against the patent injustice promoted by this newly appointed Vice Chancellor.
Over thirty students are in police custody and there is no knowledge as to where they are being kept.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the students illegally detained must be released immediately. The Central Government appointed Vice Chancellor should be removed forthwith. The Telangana Police must proceed on the registered cases against him.