Guilty professors should be expelled: Siddharth's mother

KALPETTA: “How can those found guilty of abetting my son’s death be allowed to continue teaching? They should not be permitted to teach even a single student. They must be expelled completely. We are ready to go to any extent to ensure that,” said M.R. Sheeba, mother of J.S. Siddharth, the Pookode Veterinary College student who died by suicide.

Her response came after the inquiry commission found College Dean Dr. M.K. Narayanan and Assistant Warden Dr. Kanthanathan guilty in connection with Siddharth’s death.

The University Board of Management has accepted the commission’s report, recommending strict disciplinary action. Dr. Narayanan has been removed from the post of Dean and demoted to professor, with a three-year ban on holding any administrative roles. The commission also proposed freezing Dr. Kanthanathan’s promotion for two years. Both are to be transferred out of Pookode Veterinary College.

The commission further suggested that these disciplinary measures, including the demotions, should take effect retrospectively from the day after Siddharth’s death.

"But how can we accept them continuing in service?" Siddharth's mother asks.

The Board of Management has approved the recommendations. Both faculty members will now be served show-cause notices, and their replies will be reviewed at the next board meeting on September 20. The High Court had earlier directed that the action taken against them must be reported within three months. The deadline set by the court ends on September 25.