Wrong to demand mins' sacking: Naik on Dalit scholar's suicide

Baghpat (UP), Jan 21: With the Opposition mounting pressure on the Centre to remove two Union Ministers over the suicide by a Dalit research scholar in Hyderabad Central University, UP Governor Ram Naik has said it would be wrong to axe them before their guilt has been proved.

Expressing grief over the death of Hyderabad Central University's (HCU) student Rohith Vemula, he said those who are guilty would be punished.

The governor who was here yesterday to attend the centenary function of an educational institution, was speaking to reporters after the event.

"Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani is getting the matter probed and an inquiry team has been sent there. Hence, it will be wrong to demand someone's resignation before anything has been proved," Naik said.

The HCU student who was pursuing PhD in science technology and society studies for the past two years, was found hanging in a hostel room on January 17.

Rivals of Centre's ruling BJP have demanded removal of Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya, blaming them for the suicide.

PTI