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The recent closure report filed by the Telangana Police in the Rohith Vemula death case has brought new dimensions to a case that has long been mired in controversy.

 

Rohith Vemula, a 26-year-old student at Hyderabad Central University, tragically took his own life on January 17, 2016, sparking widespread protests and debates about caste discrimination and student welfare.

 

The closure report, filed just days before the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, absolved several individuals, including politicians and ABVP leaders, of any wrongdoing in Rohith's death.

 

Among those cleared are the then Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya, Member of Legislative Council N Ramachander Rao, and Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani.

 

According to the report, Rohith was not a Dalit as previously claimed, but rather committed suicide due to a combination of stressors. It highlighted his poor academic performance, attributed in part to his involvement in campus politics, and the revelation that his mother had arranged a fake Scheduled Caste certificate for him. This discovery, the report suggests, led to fears of exposure and the potential loss of his academic degrees.

 

Despite allegations against the accused, the report found no evidence linking them to Rohith's suicide. Instead, it paints a picture of a young man struggling with multiple issues and ultimately succumbing to the weight of his circumstances.

 

The closure of the case has sparked dissatisfaction among Rohith's family, who feel that the focus on his caste status detracts from the larger issues at hand, namely his harassment and eventual death.

 

Rohith's suicide was a catalyst for protests and discussions about caste discrimination in India, particularly within educational institutions. As a member of the Ambedkar Students' Association, he was part of a group advocating for the rights of Dalit students on campus. His death brought attention to the plight of marginalised communities and raised questions about the treatment of students from lower castes.

 

The closure of the case comes at a time when the country is grappling with issues of social justice and equality. It serves as a reminder of the need for systemic change and the importance of addressing caste discrimination in all its forms.

 

While the closure report may provide some answers, it also raises new questions about accountability and justice for Rohith and others like him who have suffered due to caste-based discrimination.