Following the tragic death of a student within the campus premises, the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University faced suspension by the Governor on Saturday.
The incident occurred at the Veterinary University in Wayanad, where JS Sidhharth, a second-year degree student, was discovered hanging inside the college hostel on February 18. Allegations from his family suggested that the circumstances surrounding his demise were not indicative of suicide but rather hinted at foul play.
In connection with the case, law enforcement officials have apprehended 11 individuals thus far. They stand accused of subjecting the 20-year-old student to ragging and torture before his demise.
The victim's father expressed distress, noting visible injury marks on his son's body and observing that he had an empty stomach, indicating potential physical abuse and deprivation of sustenance.
Governor Arif Muhammed Khan referenced findings from the postmortem report, which characterized the incident as a "pure case of murder" rather than an instance of ragging.
Expressing disappointment with the handling of the situation by university authorities, Governor Khan emphasized the need for prompt reporting of such incidents and took action to suspend the Vice-Chancellor.
As Chancellor of the university, Governor Khan has initiated an inquiry into the matter. Additionally, the victim's family implicated members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the ruling CPI(M), alleging their involvement and subsequent protection by the party.
Governor Khan further underscored concerns about the influence of SFI within universities, citing reports of collaboration with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and sympathizers' involvement in the incident.
Accusations against university officials also surfaced, alleging their complicity and hastened removal of the victim's body before police intervention.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan condemned the alleged cover-up by faculty members and called for stringent action against those involved.
Amidst growing outcry, the state government vowed a thorough investigation and assured decisive measures against perpetrators. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan instructed the state police chief to establish a special investigation team while pledging vigorous legal action against the accused.
Law Minister P Rajeev affirmed a commitment to accountability, emphasizing that culpability would not be determined by organizational affiliations.
Initially categorized as an unnatural death, the police later broadened the charges to include various offenses such as abetment of suicide, wrongful restraint, and causing hurt by dangerous means under the IPC and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act.
