Tharoor backed allegations of the victim’s parents and friends (Img: Internet)
Kannur: The death of a 22-year-old dental student in Kannur has sparked serious allegations of caste-based harassment, drawing national attention. The student, identified as Nithin Raj RL from Thiruvananthapuram, was a first-year BDS student at a private dental college in Anjarakandy.
According to police, he was found critically injured near a college building on April 10 and later died during treatment. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway.
Tum Kaale Ho, You Don’t Deserve Me: Madhya Pradesh woman plots murder of husband with lover
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the incident as part of a larger pattern of institutional failure. Backing the claims of the student’s family and friends, he alleged “relentless verbal abuse, casteist slurs, threats, and deliberate academic sabotage” by faculty members.
Deeply anguished to learn of the tragic death of Nithin Raj, a young BDS student from Thiruvananthapuram, at Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy. Audio recordings now reveal what his family has long alleged — relentless verbal abuse, casteist slurs, threats, and deliberate…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 12, 2026
He also drew parallels with the 2024 death of JS Sidharthan, calling both cases symptoms of a “deeply diseased campus culture” that fails to protect vulnerable students.
The victim’s family has accused faculty members of targeting him over caste, skin colour, and economic background. His father claimed that internal assessment marks were unfairly reduced and that the student faced repeated humiliation in class.
His sister alleged that he had previously complained to the college administration, but no action was taken. She further claimed he was subjected to derogatory remarks, including being insulted publicly by a faculty member.
Investigators are examining an audio message reportedly sent by the student to friends, in which he alleged harassment, threats, and academic intimidation. Police in Kannur have begun collecting digital evidence and will record statements from classmates, faculty, and family members.
The college has suspended two faculty members pending inquiry and stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and directed police to submit a report within a week.
Tharoor has called for a thorough criminal investigation and systemic reforms, stating that such incidents highlight the urgent need to ensure campuses remain safe and inclusive spaces for all students.
