Protests Intensify at Kannur Dental College Over Student's Tragic Death
The death of first-year BDS student Nithin Raj at Kannur Dental College in Anjarakkandy has sparked widespread and escalating protests, with students and youth organizations staging agitations both inside and outside the campus. The college administration has responded by dismissing Dr. M. K. Ram, the head of the dental anatomy department, against whom Nithin had raised serious allegations of caste-based harassment.
Student Demands Lead to Faculty Dismissal
Following intense discussions with student representatives, the college administration decided to dismiss Dr. Ram. This action came after students had warned of an indefinite boycott of classes until strict measures were taken. On Thursday, students from all batches launched a massive protest on campus, symbolically boycotting their white coats to demand justice for Nithin. They alleged that he faced severe discrimination from Dr. Ram, which contributed to the tragic incident.
Widespread Agitations and Clashes
Outside the campus, the protests spread with significant intensity. Workers from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) conducted a protest march to Dr. Dilna's Dental Clinic in Edakkad, which is owned by Dr. Ram's wife. Despite police presence, activists vandalized the clinic's signage and installed a banner declaring, "DYFI has shut down the caste-based discriminator's clinic." This led to clashes between protesters and police, who fired water cannons multiple times to disperse the crowds.
Additionally, Youth League workers marched to the Kannur city police commissioner's office, demanding the immediate arrest of Dr. Ram. Police have intensified their search for Dr. Ram and another faculty member, Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar, who is also charged with abetment to suicide in connection with Nithin's death.
Background of the Tragic Incident
On April 10, Nithin Raj was found critically injured on the college campus after falling from a building. He was later declared dead at the hospital. In response to the allegations, police have registered a case against the two faculty members under sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, in addition to abetment to suicide charges. The protests highlight deep-seated issues of caste-based discrimination in educational institutions and have galvanized student movements across the region.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigations and search for the accused faculty members, while students vow to persist with their demands for justice and systemic change.
