Hyderabad varsity denies removing Ambedkar effigy from campus

 

The University of Hyderabad's joint action committee (JAC) has alleged that Dalit icon BR Ambedkar's effigy was "removed" from the shopping complex in the varsity at the behest of vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile.

 

This claim by the JAC was denied by the administration on Wednesday.

 

"These structures reflect the struggle for self-respect and the removal of Ambedkar's sculpture is an insult to Dalits," said D Prashant, who has been leading the JAC's protest over the suicide of PhD scholar Rohith Vemula in January.

 

He alleged that the effigy was removed on the orders of the vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile.

 

Denying any role in this matter, pro vice-chancellor Vipin Srivastava said, "The university has not issued any orders – written or oral – for the removal of Dr BR Ambedkar's effigy from the shopping complex area on the campus."

 

"While the students told media and the security guard on duty that the effigy in question was removed, on the orders of the administration. They did not even mention about it in their meeting with the newly-joined registrar on July 4," Srivastava added in the release.

 

The pro-VC stated that as soon as the students reported the matter to the security officer on July 4, he along with two other guards on duty, checked the varsity premises. According to the guards, the effigy wasn't removed until their shift ended at 6 am on July 4.

 

"If the university receives any complaint, efforts will be made to get the complete details of this incident through an appropriate inquiry," Srivastava added.

 

Vemula's suicide on January 17 had sparked massive protests in the varsity as well as outside resulting in a fierce political slugfest, with a string of political parties and Dalit organisations siding with students and accusing the BJP and varsity administration of being anti-Dalit.

 

After Vemula's death, students set up tents and installed a 'Rohith Smaraka Stupa' at the shopping complex.

 

The varsity has been witnessing sporadic protests demanding Podile's dismissal since the Dalit scholar's death.