Siddharth case; Father plans protest outside CM's office, government fast-tracks CBI involvement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is swiftly moving to involve the CBI in the investigation of the death of Siddharth, a student at Pookode Veterinary College. This decision comes in response to Siddharth's father announcing plans to protest outside the Chief Minister's residence, alleging government interference in blocking a CBI investigation. Concerns have arisen that this issue could have repercussions during elections.

All documents related to the case were translated into English within a day and were transported by road from Wayanad, reaching Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. These documents were then emailed to the Ministry of Personnel. Yesterday, a team led by Special Cell DYSP S. Srikanth arrived in Delhi with the proforma containing all the documents. The documents will be forwarded directly today. A decision regarding the CBI taking over the investigation will only be made after a thorough examination of these documents.

Simultaneously, an investigation by the Home Secretary revealed that even after 17 days of notification for the CBI investigation, the documents had not been handed over. The Deputy Secretary, who was suspended yesterday, cited a four-day hospitalization due to fever as the reason for not seeing the files. Upon returning on the 12th, proceedings commenced. Additionally, there were delays in translating FIRs, statements and documents into English.

The Central Personnel Ministry will forward the State Government's notification to the CBI headquarters. The law officer will assess the case's significance for CBI investigation and respond through the director. Attacks by gangs in college campuses and hostels can be investigated by the CBI as they constitute mob attacks.

There are no hindrances to taking up the case, considering it involves murder and the conspiracy behind it warrants a detailed investigation. If the CBI agrees to undertake the investigation, the central government will issue a notification under section (5).