Death of dental college student: Rights boy seeks report from Kannur Police Commissioner

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), taking cognizance of the death of Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student at the Kannur Dental College after falling from a building, directed the Kannur City Police Commissioner to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by the family of of the deceased on his death and submit a detailed report within a week’s time.

The family of Nithin Raj has alleged that he was subjected to persistent verbal harassment and discrimination based on his caste, dark complexion, and poor economic background.

Advertisement

SHRC Judicial Member K Baijunath registered a suo motu case in the matter based on media reports, citing the gravity of the allegations.

According to the police, Nithin Raj, 22, a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara, Thiruvananthapuram, was found critically injured on April 10 near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10 in a suspected suicide. Though he was rushed to the medical college hospital and given treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

“He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and colour. They also threatened to harm him academically,” Nithin’s distraught father Rajan told the media

In an audio message Nithin sent to his friends, he alleges harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as reducing his marks in examinations. He also says he was threatened with cutting off his hands and feet.

Following the allegations, the college conducted an internal inquiry and suspended two faculty members, the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department and an Associate Professor.

“This issue should not be closed by suspending just two teachers. The parents are firm in their stand that their son has been subjected to severe caste discrimination. The parents said that despite complaining to the teachers and department heads, there has been no result. The government should take all these allegations seriously and order a detailed investigation,” the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) said.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala demanded a high-level inquiry into the mysterious death of Nithin Raj

The Chakkarakkal police have launched a probe and are currently collecting digital evidence, including the audio messages mentioned by the victim’s family.