Nithin Raj probe: Commission formed, students refuse to budge

KANNUR: The University of Health Sciences has appointed a four-member commission to investigate the death of student Nithin Raj. The commission is chaired by Retired Lieutenant General Dr. Ajith Neelakandan, with Dr. Ashish Rajasekharan, Dr. Harikumaran Nair, and Dr. LB Peter serving as members. The panel is scheduled to begin recording statements from Nithin’s classmates, teachers, and college staff tomorrow.

University response and official stance

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal told Kerala Kaumudi that the university maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such incidents.

"Such tragedies should not occur within our universities. Our internal investigation will progress in tandem with the ongoing police inquiry," Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal stated.

While the Vice-Chancellor confirmed that strict action will be taken against any culprits, he clarified that the university has not yet penalised the accused teachers, as they are awaiting the commission's formal report. He also noted that the university may reassess the affiliation of colleges where such incidents occur. Following a visit to Nithin Raj’s family, Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal met with Governor R.V. Arlekar, who instructed the Vice-Chancellor to ensure a rigorous and decisive investigation.

Students dismiss "farce" discussions; strike persists

Student protesters have labelled the initial round of talks with the dental college management a "farce," asserting that the representatives sent to negotiate lacked the authority to make meaningful decisions.

The students highlighted a particularly dismissive comment made by a management representative, who reportedly asked, "Ram sir is a man with dark skin, so how can he insult a man with dark skin?" Protesters argued that this logic trivialises the gravity of the allegations. Consequently, the students have resolved to boycott all classes and continue their strike until their demands are met.

The students’ primary demand is the immediate dismissal of Dr. MK Ram from service, alongside accountability for several other teachers who have allegedly directed caste-based insults at students. Beyond these disciplinary actions, the protesters are calling for an end to the management's practice of appointing individuals to monitor student activity. They also expressed significant concerns regarding the recording of their photos and footage, demanding assurances that these records will not be used to jeopardise their future employment prospects. Finally, the students have refused to settle for unauthorised intermediaries, insisting instead on a direct discussion with a representative empowered to make final decisions or with the college’s MD, Dr. Adnan.