Death of student: Governor had written to CM Vijayan demanding CBI probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Governor's letter recommending that Siddharth's death be handed over to the CBI was delivered directly to the Chief Minister yesterday morning through a special envoy. The CBI cannot take up the investigation without the permission of the state government, even if recommended by the governor. Or there should be an order of High Court or Supreme Court. However, as soon as Siddharth's father Jayaprakash filed the family's complaint in this case yesterday, the Chief Minister transferred the investigation to the CBI. The Chief Minister had earlier discussed this with senior police officials. CPM Secretary MV Govindan had said the other day that there would be an inquiry demanded by the family.

In the letter, the governor had indicated that there was a lapse in the police investigation and that the investigation should be left to the CBI and the government's opinion should be conveyed in this regard. Raj Bhavan officials had prepared the letter three days before as per the instructions of the governor.

Earlier, the governor had suspended Veterinary University VC Dr MR Saseendranath using the Chancellor's authority. The Governor has demanded a judicial inquiry by the High Court sitting judge, which has not been answered.