Nithin Raj death: High Court says DySP’s continued service reflects Home Department’s failure

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has strongly criticised the lapses in the arrest of Dr M.K. Ram in connection with the death of dental college student Nithin Raj. The court came down heavily on the failure to suspend DySP Sudheer Kallan, who was the investigating officer in the case, and said his continued service amounted to a failure on the part of the Home Department.

“You immediately suspended the teacher who prepared a question about Savarkar. You suspended the official who issued the letter at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. You appointed the ADGP as DGP even when a complaint was pending with the Vigilance. Ajith Kumar was also suspended immediately. The government did not cite rules on those occasions, but is citing rules here despite the lapse,” the court said. The court said it may have to order an investigation into the matter.

Dr M.K. Ram, who had been absconding, was granted bail after he was arrested without following the prescribed procedure. The court had earlier observed that the lapse was deliberate on the part of the police.

The court had also criticised the manner in which the arrest was handled and said the police were attempting to save the accused. It had called for an investigation to determine whether senior officers were involved in a conspiracy in the case. The court had earlier said that if such an investigation was not conducted, an investigation under its supervision would be ordered.