Death of Sidharthan
| Date | February 18, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India |
| Inquiries | Kerala Police investigations |
On 18 February 2024, Sidharthan, a 20-year-old veterinary science student[1][2] of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, was found dead in his hostel in Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala under suspicious circumstances.[3][4]
Investigation
On 18 February, Sidharthan was found hanging in the washroom of his hostel.[5]
Following his death, the Students' Federation of India branch at the university was accused of ragging Sidharthan, which had led to his death; Sidharthan's parents accused the group of murdering him outright. According to police, there had been a "tiff" on 14 February that escalated into "brutal assault" by a group of senior students in the courtyard of the hostel on 15 February. Sidarthan contacted his mother briefly on 16 February, saying he was not feeling well and was resting.[5]
An autopsy suggested that prior to his death, Sidharthan had been injured and had not eaten.[5]
As of late February, seven students were being held by police in connection with the death.[5]
Reactions
The leadership of the Students' Federation of India visited Sidharthan's family and apologized for the conduct of SFI members at the school.[6]
Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan issued an order suspending the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) over Sidharthan's death on 2024 February 18.[7]
Kerala General Education minister V Sivankutty said that the government will take strict action against those behind the death of Sidharthan.[8]
Indian National Congress’s V D Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition, called on Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, to have the Central Bureau of Investigation investigate the death.[9]
References
- ^ "Six held in custody for ragging death of Wayanad Vet student". English.Mathrubhumi. 2024-02-28. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "After death of 20-year-old at Kerala college, claims that he was mercilessly ragged by members of CPI(M)'s student outfit". The Indian Express. 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ Assary, Gilvester (2024-02-29). "Vet University Student's Death Rocks Kerala". www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Death of veterinary student: College officials accused of laxity". English.Mathrubhumi. 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ a b c d Raghunath, Arjun (2024-02-29). "Brutal ragging and mob trial led to student's death in Kerala". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Sidharthan's death: SFI apologises". English.Mathrubhumi. 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Governor to visit Pookode Veterinary University". English.Mathrubhumi. 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ ഡെസ്ക്, സമകാലിക മലയാളം (2024-03-01). "'രാഷ്ട്രീയം നോക്കില്ല, പ്രതികൾ ആരാണെങ്കിലും പരമാവധി ശിക്ഷ ഉറപ്പാക്കും': സിദ്ധാർഥന്റെ വീട്ടിലെത്തി വി ശിവൻകുട്ടി". Samakalika Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Congress leaders seek CBI probe into death of Sidharthan". The Hindu. 2024-03-03. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-03-04.