Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the death of J S Sidharthan, a second-year veterinary student, following a meeting with his family.
Opposition parties and the student’s father had accused the Student Federation of India (SFI) for his death. Sidharthan, enrolled at Government Veterinary College, Pookkode, was found hanging in his hostel room on February 18. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan suspended Vice Chancellor Dr MR Saseendranath in connection with the incident.
Sidharthan’s father alleged that his son’s death appeared to be a “murder sponsored by the leaders and workers of the SFI.” He claimed it was a “well-planned murder” and cited “brutal ragging” as a regular occurrence at the college.
Sidharthan’s relatives contended that he was brutally assaulted by a group of students on campus, asserting it was a case of murder and not suicide. Kerala Police had apprehended six individuals in relation to the student’s demise.
With the government’s decision for a CBI probe, opposition protests ceased, including demonstrations by Mahila Congress president Jebi Mather, Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil, and KSU state President Aloshious Xavier.