New Delhi, March 23 (IANS): The CPI-M on Wednesday demanded the release of Hyderabad Central University students and the dismissal of Vice Chancellor Appa Rao whose return has triggered widespread protests.

Saying over 30 students were in police custody with no knowledge as to where they were being kept, the Communist Party of India-Marxist said they must be freed immediately.

"The central government appointed vice chancellor should be removed forthwith," a CPI-M statement said. "The Telangana Police must proceed on the registered cases against him."

The CPI-M alleged "brutal police attack on students, faculty members and others" at the Hyderabad University on Tuesday. 

"The police resorted to very intense lathicharge on the students who were protesting against the return of Appa Rao, who is facing criminal cases for creating circumstances leading to the suicide of (Dalit student) Rohith Vemula," it said.

"It is reported that the university has been sealed, food supplies stopped for hostels, water connections cut off and access to wifi denied. 

"Also, widespread disciplinary action against the students and some faculty members is also underway.

"Instead of proceeding on the registered cases against the vice chancellor, the Telangana Police has resorted to such brutality against the students," it said.