Siddharth's death; Special team for investigation, will take strong action against accused, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A special team will investigate the death of Siddharth, a student of the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University in Pookode, Wayanad. The state police chief was given instructions in this regard by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Chief Minister also directed the police to take strong action against the offenders in the case.

Meanwhile, the police recorded the arrest of Akhil, the main accused in the case. Siddharth, a second-year BVSP student and a native of Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram, died after he was subjected to mob trial, brutal beating and mental torture. An eyewitness said that Siddharth was brutally tortured between 14th and 18th of this month.

Six accused have already been arrested in connection with Siddharth's death. They belong to the group that publicly harass students. A special investigation team led by DySP T N Sajeev arrested Rehan Binoy (20) of Palakandy in Thiruvananthapuram, S D Akash (22) of Konjiravila Vijayamma Nivas, R D Sreehari (23), Nandiyod Sreenilayam, S Abhishek (23) of Idukki Ramakkal Medu Pazhayadath House, Don's Daya (23) of Thodupuzha Muthalakkodam Thurakkal Puthenpura, Billgates Joshua (23) of Sultan Bathery. There are more than 20 accused in total. Those arrested are not among the 12 people suspended from the college for ragging. They are on the run.

Siddharth was found hanging in the bathroom of the hostel on February 18. Alleging that he misbehaved with a girl, a group of students brutally beat him in the hostel and on the hill behind the college for three consecutive days. The accused threatened him in front of almost 150 students. It is alleged that food was not given to him. Siddharth, who reached Ernakulam to go home, was called back and brutally harassed.