Kerala Governor Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan has revoked the decision of the management of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, to lift the suspension of the College Dean and the Hostel Assistant Warden. The Save University Campaign Committee and Siddharth’s family members had complained to the Governor about the Managing Council’s decision to reinstate the two officials.
A Judicial Commission led by Justice A. Hariprasad (Retd.), appointed by the Governor to inquire into the death of Siddharth, reported that the College Dean and Hostel Assistant Warden were guilty and recommended departmental action against them. The University Managing Council discussed the report and decided to reinstate them without taking any action. This decision drew criticism, with concerns that it sends the wrong message to the academic community. The Save University Campaign Committee and Siddharth’s family, in a memorandum to the Governor, argued that such matters should not be decided by majority voting and called for the cancellation of the decision, demanding action against those found guilty.
University Vice Chancellor Dr. K.S. Anil refused to implement the majority decision of the Managing Council and did not reinstate the College Dean and Assistant Hostel Warden. Instead, the Vice Chancellor sought further instructions from the Raj Bhavan Secretary. As a result, the Governor issued an order against the Managing Council’s decision.
Siddharth, a second-year student at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, was found dead on February 18, 2024, in the hostel washroom, allegedly due to brutal ragging and mob trials. Organiser had published several stories on this shocking incident.
J S Sidharthan Suicide Case: ABVP protests across Bharat against SFI’s harassment leading to student’s death in Kerala
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 13, 2024
The judicial report held then-Vice Chancellor M.R. Saseendran responsible. The Vice Chancellor was in his office while SFI goons brutally tortured Siddharth, yet failed to take timely action. He did not recognize the seriousness and gravity of the situation, nor did he take the necessary steps.
The Governor dismissed Vice Chancellor M.R. Saseendran on March 24, 2024, after revoking his decision to reinstate three students suspended in connection with J.S. Siddharth’s death. At the time, the Vice Chancellor attempted to shift the blame onto the Dean. The Kerala High Court upheld the Vice Chancellor’s suspension. The Commission recorded statements from 28 individuals, including students and the parents of the accused.
The Judicial Commission examined the lapses of the former Vice Chancellor and reached the aforementioned conclusions.
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