Scratched off para gives new twist to Rohith's suicide

The letter purportedly written by Rohith Vemula, the Dalit scholar of University of Hyderabad, before he committed suicide, has been sent to the forensic lab for analysis as reports emerged about an entire paragraph that had been scratched off the note.

There is a possibility that it was Rohith who struck off the paragraph, because of a line written in a bracket next to it: "I myself strike these words off." It is signed, purportedly by him.

"The letter was sent to forensic lab for handwriting match and other analysis. It will take a few days to get the report," Press Trust of India quoted police sources as saying.

There is speculation that the deleted words are about Rohith's disillusionment with his own union, the Ambedkar Students' Association.

On close examination, the portion of the note that Vemula, perhaps on second thoughts, decided to keep concealed, reads: "ASA, SFI, anything and everything exist for their own sake. Seldom the interest of a person and these organisations match. To get power or to become famous or to be important in between boundaries and to think we are up to changing the system, very often we overestimate our acts and find solace in traits. Of course I must give my credit to these both groups for making introducing me to wonderful literature and people. (sic)"

According to media reports, this part of the letter is reflective of the sense of futility that the scholar felt in being associated with the student unions. He was an active member of the ASA.

What has intensified the mystery is the fact that the 26-year-old's body was found almost six hours after his death. The gap is unexplained till now.