K Narayana Arrested For Demanding UoH VC Removal

Some 20 CPI activists, including party national executive member K Narayana, were taken into preventive custody for trying to take out a "Chalo Raj Bhavan" march in Hyderabad without permission demanding the resignation of HCU Vice Chancellor P Appa Rao.

"The proposed march did not have permission, and they (the activists) were taken into preventive custody at the Khairatabad railway station near Raj Bhavan," Saifabad SHO K Poorna Chander said.

The University Of Hyderabad (UoH) has been witnessing sporadic protests after Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula allegedly committed suicide on the campus on January 17, and the protests have expectedly attracted the support of Left organizations in a big way. Today's incident is another expression of support by one of the country's best-known Left parties.

In a bid to intensify their ongoing agitation demanding the removal and arrest of the VC, who resumed office on March 22 amidst serious protests, the varsity's Joint Action Committee for Social Justice has also given a call for a protest march - "Chalo HCU" - on April 6. The students' union has also sought President Pranab Mukherjee's immediate intervention to resolve issues related to the varsity and ensure the sacking of the VC.

The students argue that as VC, Appa Rao may tamper with evidence and influence witnesses.