The Kerala government has decided to hand over the probe into the suspected death by suicide of JS Sidharth, a second-year student of the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University campus at Pookode in Wayanad, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“A police probe is on into the case and all the accused have been booked. Sidharth’s mother has handed a memorandum to the CM seeking a CBI probe. The government will recommend a CBI probe considering the family’s feelings,” said a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.

“However, as the victim’s mother has also submitted a petition seeking a CBI probe, CM Vijayan informed the family that he has decided to leave the investigation of the case to the CBI, respecting their sentiments,” the statement further said.

The statement came shortly after the victim’s father Jayaprakash told media persons here that CM Vijayan assured him that the case would be handed over to the CBI if required.

The victim’s father said that he met the Chief Minister today and sought a CBI probe into the death of his son, who was found hanging inside the bathroom of the college hostel on February 18.

He also said that he informed the CM that in view of the injuries suffered by his son, as noted in the post-mortem report, many doctors have said that Sidharth could not have even stood up to hang himself.

Sidharth’s father also said that according to the post mortem report, his son’s body had injuries and an empty stomach, indicating that he was brutally beaten up and not given any food.

JS Sidharth was found dead inside the college hostel after a brutal ragging and assault allegedly by the SFI leaders on February 18.

Sidharth was reportedly beaten up by SFI leaders at four places in the college premises. However, the SFI has denied the allegations.

Sidharth’s death has led to widespread protests against SFI and the ruling Left government by the Congress-led opposition and its various wings, and also the BJP.

Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil and Jeby Mather, MP, had also launched an indefinite fast before the Government Secretariat here to press their demand for a CBI enquiry into the death of Sidharth

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan hailed the government’s decision to institute a CBI inquiry into Sidharth’s death as a victory of justice and humanity.