Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao has slammed a ₹25 crore defamation notice on Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and sought an unconditional public apology for his ‘illegal’ and ‘unlawful’ acts of making false imputations against him with regard to the suicide of University of Hyderabad (UoH) research scholar Rohith Vemula causing him ‘serious agony’ and ‘Irreversible’ damage.
Mr. Vikramarka has been given three days to apologise or criminal action will be taken claiming damages of ₹25 crore, said the legal notice sent on Tuesday. The notice sent through Mr. Ramchander Rao’s advocate M. Vijayakanth and associates, mentions that the Deputy CM at a press conference held in New Delhi at the AICC headquarters has alleged that Mr. Rao was one of the persons responsible for instigating the suicide of the research scholar.
The notice stated that the BJP leader was ‘absolved’ of any involvement in the final report filed by the police in the Court of Special Sessions Judge for Trial of Cases under the SC/ST Act, Ranga Reddy district ‘due to lack of evidence’.
The police, after examining 59 witnesses and gathering crucial evidence, has held that Mr. Ramchander Rao has not abetted directly or indirectly in the tragic suicide. Yet, Mr. Vikramarka had made ‘false statements’ which are ‘defamatory in nature’ with a ‘preconceived motive to tarnish the fame and reputation’ of the BJP leader, said the notice.
Condemning the Deputy CM’s statements, the notice said it has caused ‘irreversible’ damage to the Telangana BJP president’s reputation. The notice has cautioned Mr. Vikramarka against making any more such ‘false, malicious and defamatory remarks’ or further criminal proceedings will be have to be initiated.
Published – July 15, 2025 08:56 pm IST
