Nithin was threatened by online loan group, say police; attempt to sabotage case, alleges family

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police suspect that the threats from an online loan group may have played a role in the death of dental college student Nithin in Kannur's Anjarakandy. In addition to allegations of caste-based abuse by teachers, Nithin had reportedly been facing threats from online loan agents. Police have recovered key chat messages that indicate he was under pressure from these groups. However, the family has alleged that focusing the probe on the loan app is an attempt to sabotage the case.

The loan group had sent Nithin a message asking him to repay Rs 8,000 urgently. Nithin replied that he was poor. Police also said that the loan agents sent threatening messages to one of his teachers. After receiving threatening calls from the loan app, the teacher filed a complaint with the principal. Police found that on the day of his death, the principal had called Nithin to his room.

Nithin's father said that his son had borrowed money from the loan app for his mother's treatment and for his studies. He also alleged that the college authorities did not inform the family about the threats from the loan group.

Meanwhile, several organisations staged protests in front of the dental college over Nithin’s death. The protests were led by groups, including MSF and the Democratic Women’s Association, accusing the police of trying to protect the accused teachers. In the morning, KSU activists forced their way into the campus but were removed by police and taken into custody.

Clashes broke out between police and protesters during the demonstrations. A major controversy erupted after police were seen dragging a woman protester and lifting her into a police vehicle. Protesters shouted slogans against the police, accusing them of acting harshly toward students to protect certain teachers.