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Rohith’s family says no to ex gratia
The efforts of University of Hyderabad authorities in pacifying the bereaved family of Rohith Vemula seem to have boomeranged as unyielding family members of the deceased scholar strongly refused to accept the ex gratia announced to them by the former.
Questions Centre’s delay in responding to the tragedy; says not ready to accept even if the varsity gives 8 crore as compensation
Hyderabad: The efforts of University of Hyderabad authorities in pacifying the bereaved family of Rohith Vemula seem to have boomeranged as unyielding family members of the deceased scholar strongly refused to accept the ex gratia announced to them by the former.
They came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, asking why it took them five days to respond. Rohith’s mother Radhika, sister Neelima and brother Raju, who visited the campus, demanded that “those responsible for his death” be brought to book.
“Not Rs 8 lakh, we don’t want even if you give Rs 8 crore from UoH where he died,” Neelima said. UoH had on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 8 lakh to the family. “Smriti Irani called up after five days.Why did it take five days? You are also a woman. You are also a mother.
It took five days for her to call up the family and condole the death. I want to know why he died. You killed or he died? Why was he suspended? Those responsible should be arrested and punished. That’s the only thing I want,” she said.
Raju said, “The Prime Minister says Rohith was a son of Mother India. I am not big enough to talk about the Prime Minister. Why he did not speak for five days?”Rohith’s sister said he was not a ‘timid’ person and termed his suicide as a ‘murder’. She demanded that punishment be given to Susheel Kumar, the ABVP leader who was allegedly assaulted by Rohith and four other students, and Vice Chancellor Appa Rao Podile.
“We want to know the reasons behind Rohith's death. It’s not a suicide. He was not timid. He was prompted to commit suicide. Those responsible for that murder should be given punishment. First is Susheel Kumar, second is the VC,” she said. She also sought to know why the family was not informed of Rohith’s suspension.
It may be mentioned here that Smriti Irani had yesterday sought to reach out to the family and spoke to Vemula's mother over telephone. She had assured her that justice would be done on the basis of a judicial inquiry.
