Dalit organizations outraged over the suspicious death of student Nitin Raj at Kannur Dental College; demand ₹10 crore in compensation, a High Court-monitored investigation, and a ‘Kerala Bandh’ (state-wide shutdown) on April 28.
A tragic incident in Kannur, Kerala, has shaken the entire state. Demands for justice have intensified regarding the suspicious death of Nitin Raj—a first-year BDS student at the Kannur Dental College in Ancharakandy—who died after falling from the college building. On Tuesday, an Action Council comprising several Dalit organizations in Kerala demanded that the state government provide compensation of ₹10 crore to the victim’s family.
During a press conference held at the venue, the Action Council refused to accept the incident as a mere suicide, instead labeling it an “institutional murder.” They have demanded an impartial investigation into the entire affair, to be conducted under the direct supervision of the Kerala High Court. It is worth noting that on April 10, Nitin Raj was found in a critically injured state after falling from the college building; he subsequently succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Protesting the student’s death and seeking justice for the perpetrators, the Action Council has also called for a state-wide strike across Kerala on April 28. The organizations have categorically stated that the strictest possible legal action must be taken against the faculty members responsible for this tragic incident.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday itself, Nitin Raj’s father and other family members visited the dental college. Upon seeing the exact spot within the college premises where his son had been found lying critically injured, the father could not hold back his tears. It was a deeply emotional scene that moved everyone present to tears.
Given the gravity of the case, the police have registered a case against two faculty members: Dr. M.K. Ram and Dr. Sangeetha. Charges have been filed against both individuals for abetment to suicide, as well as under the stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act. Nitin’s family members and supporters allege that he was being subjected to constant harassment regarding his caste and physical appearance. Meanwhile, to evade arrest, both accused doctors have filed anticipatory bail petitions in the District Court.
The case took a new turn when it emerged that the student’s death was also linked to online loan apps. The police have registered two FIRs against various online loan apps. In one of these cases, three individuals operating an illegal loan app from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, have also been arrested.
However, Nitin’s family categorically asserts that pressure related to loans alone could not have been the cause of their son’s death. They firmly believe that the mental harassment he endured within the college campus was the primary reason behind this tragedy.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News