Audio Message from Deceased Kerala Dental Student Alleges Severe Faculty Harassment
An audio message purportedly sent by Nithin Raj RL, the 23-year-old first-year BDS student of Kannur Dental College who died after falling from a college building in a suspected suicide on Friday, has surfaced, revealing disturbing allegations of harassment by faculty members. The audio clip, which reportedly circulated among his friends on Sunday, contains explicit claims of threats involving physical violence and academic sabotage.
Disturbing Details in the Audio Recording
In the audio message, Nithin Raj RL describes a pattern of intimidation and abuse. "The staff room is the place where they attack us as a group. Each one is worse than the other there... I was told that my limbs will be chopped if I leave the gates, and I will have to live without my hands for the rest of my life," the recording states, highlighting extreme threats allegedly made by faculty.
The audio further details a specific incident of humiliation during a class. "Even yesterday, I was listening to his class. For no reason, he made me stand up and started belittling me and my mother, even referring to her surgery. After that, I was told that my parents can be given the 'surprise' of my three marks being cut. I bear the insult as much as possible," it adds, suggesting academic repercussions were used as leverage.
Police Investigation and College Response
In response to these serious allegations, the Kannur city police have formed an 11-member special investigation team. This team is operating under the direct supervision of city police commissioner Nidhinraj P to thoroughly probe the circumstances surrounding the student's death and the harassment claims.
Prior to the police action, the college administration had already taken disciplinary measures. Two faculty members were suspended following earlier allegations that included:
- Caste-based abuse
- Verbal harassment
- Intimidation of students
The suspended individuals are Dr M K Ram, head of dental anatomy, and Dr Sangeetha, an associate professor at the institution.
Final Rites and Community Impact
Nithin Raj RL's body was transported to his family residence in Uzhamalackal, Thiruvananthapuram, on Sunday. The final rites were conducted on family-owned land, marking a somber conclusion to the tragic incident that has shaken the educational community in Kerala.
This case has raised significant concerns about student welfare and faculty conduct in professional colleges across the state. The emergence of the audio message adds a critical dimension to the investigation, potentially providing direct evidence of the harassment alleged by the student before his untimely death.
