Kannur: The death of dental student Nitin Raj has triggered political intervention and institutional scrutiny, with senior BJP leaders and university authorities visiting the bereaved family and initiating parallel inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha National General Secretary Mahanth Shambhu Thundiya visited Nitin Raj’s residence and met his parents, assuring them of all possible assistance through the National Scheduled Caste Commission. He was accompanied by National Secretary S. Kumar, State General Secretary Swapnajit B., District President Anish Karikkakam, B. Babuldev, and District Secretary Prashanth.
Nitin Raj had died on April 10 after jumping from the fifth floor of a dental college building in Kannur. The incident has since raised serious concerns over institutional accountability and student welfare.
Acting on a complaint filed by BJP State Secretary Shyam Raj, the National Scheduled Caste Commission ordered a special investigation and directed the State Police Chief to submit a report within five days, indicating the urgency attached to the case.
Meanwhile, Kerala University of Health Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummel visited the family on April 14 and termed the incident “regrettable”. He stated that stringent action would be taken against those found responsible and confirmed that both university and police investigations are underway.
The Vice Chancellor noted that no prior complaints had been recorded against the college or its faculty, but acknowledged that concerns have surfaced following the incident. He said the University would examine whether the institution should be allowed to continue functioning. He is also expected to brief the Chancellor, the State Governor, on the developments. An Inquiry Commission from the University is likely to visit the campus shortly.
Dr Kunnummel also criticised the college authorities for not visiting the student’s residence, calling the omission inappropriate. He added that the University has provisions in place across colleges to offer legal assistance to students.
Preliminary reports indicate that CCTV footage shows Nitin Raj exiting the Principal’s office in a distressed state. Officials have stated that the sequence of events leading to this situation is under investigation.
Simultaneously, allegations of religious discrimination within the college have surfaced. Students have claimed that while holidays were granted for Ramadan and Easter, no leave was approved for Vishu or Ambedkar Jayanti despite written appeals. According to these claims, the Principal dismissed the requests and allegedly ridiculed the students.
In a subsequent development following the student’s death, the college administration declared holidays until April 16.
Further allegations have been raised against a faculty member, identified as Hashim Ali, with students accusing him of using religion-based slurs, practising bias in internal assessment, and discouraging interaction among students across religious lines. These claims are yet to be officially verified.
With multiple complaints emerging from the campus, the Vice Chancellor’s statement that the University will consider the continuation of the college has gained significance, as pressure mounts for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigations.
