In rare move, Guv Arif Khan suspends Vice-Chancellor of Pookode University

WAYANAD: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday issued an order to immediately suspend the vice chancellor of Pookode Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The decision comes in the wake of Siddharth’s death, who suffered inhumane torture from his college seniors for three straight days. The governor also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and Raj Bhavan has issued an order in this regard. Dr. M.R. Saseendranath is the suspended vice-chancellor. It is unusual for a governor to suspend Vice-chancellors' without any prior notice.

The governor’s abrupt decision has put the government in the dock, as the CM Pinarayi-led cabinet is yet to take stringent action on the death case that has shocked Kerala.

"There has been a serious failure on the part of the university. A letter has been sent to the High Court seeking the services of a judge for judicial enquiry. College hostels are being converted into the headquarters of SFI. I have also received information regarding the unholy nexus of SFI-PFI existing in colleges. Siddharth did not get food or water for 24 hours. This is nothing but a murder.” The governor told the media at Thiruvananthapuram airport.

The prime suspect in Siddharth's death was arrested a while ago. The main accused Sinjo Johnson was arrested from Karunagappally, Kollam.