The investigation into the death of R L Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student at a self-financing dental college in Ancharakandi, has been transferred to the crime branch. State police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar issued orders on Tuesday, shifting both the unnatural death case and a separate case related to an alleged loan app to the agency.
Recommendation for Transfer
The decision came after the Kannur city police commissioner recommended the transfer, citing the need for a more comprehensive probe. The second case was registered based on a complaint from a faculty member, alleging harassment linked to a loan application.
Family's Concerns and Allegations
The family of the deceased met the police chief, expressing serious concerns over the pace and direction of the investigation. They pointed out that even 18 days after the death, the prime accused — a faculty member identified as M K Ram — has not been arrested. The family alleged that the police were attempting to dilute the case by focusing on the loan app angle, instead of pursuing the caste-based harassment allegation they claim led to the student's death. According to the family, the accused subjected Raj to caste abuse, which forced him to take the extreme step.
Legal Action and Protests
A case has been registered against the accused under charges of abetment to suicide and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Protests have intensified, with Dalit organizations observing a statewide hartal demanding justice. The anticipatory bail plea filed by the accused was recently rejected by the Thalassery additional district and sessions court. He is reported to have approached the high court for relief and is suspected to have left the state for his native place in Telangana.
