In a significant move, Kerala Governor Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan, acting in his capacity as the Chancellor of state-funded universities, has suspended Professor M.R. Sasheendranath, the Vice Chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) at Pookode, Wayanad. This decision comes in the wake of the brutal death of a student, Siddarth, with Governor Khan asserting that Siddarth was murdered, and it was not suicide.
Governor Khan addressed the media, revealing information from Wayanad that it is likely that there are links between the outlawed Popular Front of India and some of the accused to the tragic incident. Expressing dissatisfaction with the university’s response, Governor Khan stated there was a significant failure on the part of the varsity. He insisted that the claim of the university being unaware of the brutal torture endured by the student for three consecutive days is unacceptable. To address the grave situation, Governor Khan has called for a judicial inquiry into the incident and has formally communicated this to the Kerala High Court.
The Governor highlighted the appalling conditions Siddarth faced, stating that he was deprived of food and water for three days. Furthermore, he pointed fingers at the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), alleging that they occupy a block in every college hostel for criminal and undesirable activities, creating an atmosphere of fear that authorities are hesitant to confront.
Governor Khan had previously visited Siddarth’s grieving parents on March 1, expressing his condolences. He assured them that he sought explanations from the state police chief regarding the incident. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the state-funded universities, voiced strong criticism against the SFI, claiming they unleash violence in Kerala. He lamented the loss of a brilliant student and pointed to the broader issue of increasing violence in the state.
Referring to the murder of T.P. Chandrasekharan in 2012, Governor Khan emphasised a concerning trend in Kerala, where people are not hesitant to resort to violence even against those close to them. He painted a grim picture of the state’s sociopolitical landscape, raising questions about the peaceful and literate reputation that Kerala has long maintained.
Governor Khan expressed his dismay over the rise in political murders, citing the recent tragic incident involving the alleged killing of Siddardh, reportedly by Students’ Federation of India (SFI) workers. The victim endured a public trial, standing undressed before over 130 students, subjected to brutal torture, denied food and water for three consecutive days.
Arrests have followed, with those apprehended identified as either SFI office bearers or college union office bearers. Disturbingly, Governor Khan highlighted the restrictive environment, noting that no other student organizations are “permitted” to function in the area.
The post-mortem report on Siddardh’s body indicates that the injuries were two to three days old, and there was no food in his stomach. The police have registered a case under various sections, including abetment of suicide, assault with dangerous weapons, and illegal detention for three days, invoking the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998.
Amidst the turmoil, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) initiated a 24-hour hunger strike before KVASU, drawing attention to the alleged involvement of SFI workers in Siddardh’s death. Women and mothers displayed resilience under the scorching sun, providing facilities, firewood, blankets, and pillows to the protesters. Despite cold weather in Wayanad, the demonstration garnered support from students unable to be physically present.
Similar ABVP hunger strikes unfolded at the state secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting the widespread concern and demand for justice.
Leaders from the BJP, ABVP, and Congress visited Siddardh’s home in Thiruvananthapuram to offer condolences. Union Minister V. Muraleedharan was among them, expressing solidarity with Siddardh’s family.
However, the tragedy took a political turn with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and SFI attempting to capitalise on Siddardh’s death for political gains. Flex boards depicting Siddardh as an SFI worker were erected in Thiruvananthapuram, sparking outrage. Siddardh’s father, Jayaprakash, protested against this distortion of facts, leading to the removal of the boards.
Several unusual incidents added complexity to the situation. A senior CPM leader involved in the arrest proceedings raised questions, and a complaint filed by a girl student against Siddardh on February 18, alleging misbehavior, raised eyebrows. Siddardh’s father expressed concerns that such actions were intended to insult the departed soul and demoralize the family.
Reports from Wayanad revealed that the Anti-Ragging Squad of the University gathered evidence from 98 students, indicating that Siddardh was tortured in various locations within the hostel premises. Janam TV Malayalam channel’s camera highlighted these locations, bringing attention to the severity of the alleged torture.
So far, 14 SFI workers have been arrested, with four more yet to be apprehended, according to the police. Siddardh’s father expressed mixed emotions, stating he is not happy about the arrests during this sensitive time but finds some satisfaction. He appreciated the suspension of the Vice Chancellor (VC) and commended Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for taking a decisive stance.
Kerala’s State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and other portfolios, J. Chinchurani, commented on the Governor’s suspension of the VC, stating it was not acceptable despite the department not being informed. Some accused have faced academic consequences, such as being barred from exams or suspended temporarily, in what appears to be a face-saving exercise.
The response from the CPM and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, indicates an attempt to protect the accused. Minister Chinchurani’s objection to the VC’s suspension, a CPM leader’s presence during arrest proceedings, and the flex boards depicting Siddardh as an SFI worker raise concerns about political interference.
As the investigation unfolds, Siddardh’s tragic death continues to reverberate through Kerala’s political and educational spheres, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
