Thiruvananthapuram, 15 April (H.S.): Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has intervened in the death of dental student Nithin Raj, directing strict action against the authorities of the Ancharakandi Dental College. The Governor issued instructions to the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Health Sciences, Mohanan Kunnummal, after being briefed on the developments.

The Vice-Chancellor met the Governor after visiting Nithin Raj’s residence, where he interacted with the grieving family and relatives. During the meeting, the VC apprised the Governor of the steps taken so far, including the appointment of a university-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident.

The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, directed the Vice-Chancellor to proceed with firm action based on the findings of the inquiry. Emphasising accountability, he reportedly stated that there should be no leniency towards anyone found responsible, regardless of their position.

Meanwhile, the university’s inquiry committee is set to begin evidence collection at the college campus from tomorrow. The team will record statements from students and gather relevant material over a two-day period as part of its investigation.

In connection with the case, two faculty members—Dr. Ram, Head of the Department of Dental Anatomy, and Associate Professor Dr. Sangeetha—have been suspended pending investigation. Both have been charged by the police with abetment to suicide and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They are currently absconding.

Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student from Thiruvananthapuram, was found critically injured after falling from the college building last Friday. He was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. His family has alleged that he was subjected to caste-based harassment and mental abuse by faculty members, which led to the tragic incident.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman