A Judicial Commission, headed by Justice A. Hariprasad, has been appointed to conduct an inquiry into the mysterious death of J S Sidharthan, a student of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University (KVASU), Pookkode, Wayanad. The Commission has submitted its report to Kerala Governor Dr Arif Mohammed Khan.
J S Sidharthan was a second-year Bachelor student of Veterinary Sciences (BVSc) at KVASU. The report states that former Vice Chancellor M R Saseendran is responsible. The Vice-Chancellor was present in his office while SFI members allegedly brutally tortured Sidharthan. He failed to take timely action and did not address the seriousness and gravity of the situation.
On March 24, 2024, the Governor dismissed Vice Chancellor M R Saseendran after cancelling his order reinstating three students suspended in connection with J S Sidharthan’s death. At that time, the Vice Chancellor attempted to shift responsibility to the Dean. The Kerala High Court upheld the Vice Chancellor’s suspension. Sidharthan was found dead on February 18, 2024, in the hostel washroom. The Commission obtained statements from twenty-eight individuals, including students and parents of the accused students.
The Organiser reported several stories in March and April 2024 regarding the death of Sidharthan. It is remembered that the Government of Kerala initiated the process for a CBI inquiry in March, influenced by mounting public opinion against the Government. During that time, people continued to recount the story of the inhumane torture endured by Sidharthan. Those familiar with the atmosphere at the university believed that prominent SFI leaders were the culprits. The CBI charge sheet stated that the accused SFI workers’ brutal torture resulted in the youth’s death.
Once the full text of the report comes into the public domain, the role of SFI and the efforts of CPM to protect them will be exposed. People are still eagerly awaiting it.
