THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 18th of February marks a year since the death of Siddharth, a student of Pookode Veterinary University. The family is still fighting for the justice of their son who fell victim to a brutal ragging episode.

In the police investigation, 20 people were found as accused, but when the charge sheet was filed, the number went down to 18. The family demanded an investigation into the roommate's role in the death, but he was excluded for his high political connections. The family alleges that the roommate is a relative of a ruling party MLA. The role of the girl who filed the complaint against Siddharth has also not been investigated. The CBI has completed its investigation and submitted the case file to the court, but the trial is yet to begin. The first sitting is on the 19th.

A single bench of the High Court recently gave an order to provide an opportunity for further education to the 18 accused, but the division bench stayed the verdict. On the 3rd of February, the university had ordered the accused to continue their studies at the college in Mannuthy but then came the division bench verdict.

The syndicate earlier gave orders to appoint Dean Narayanan and Assistant Warden Kanthanathan in Palakkad College but the governor stayed the decision minding the complaint from Siddharth’s parents. Dean Narayanan and Assistant Warden Kanthanathan were earlier suspended based on their role in trying to cover up the death news. Meanwhile, the teacher’s union has already started public funding works to provide legal help for the two.

Four months back, the dean wrote to Siddharth’s parents asking them to visit the hostel and collect the dress used by their son. Upon visiting the place, the relatives broke into tears and turned inconsolable. The materials used by Siddharth were among the garbage piled in one corner of the hostel. 40 items including Siddharth's glasses, watch, purse, bag and shoes were not found. Only his shirt and pants were returned.