Students of Kannur Dental College on Thursday staged a protest on campus following the death of BDS student Nithin Raj, who was allegedly subjected to caste-based harassment by faculty members.
Students from all batches, except those appearing for university examinations, took out a march within the campus and held a dharna in front of the dental college at Anjarakandy. As part of their protest, they also decided to boycott wearing white coats until justice is delivered and action is taken against the accused faculty members.
Nithin Raj R L (22), a first-year BDS student, was found critically injured near the medical college block after allegedly falling from a building on April 10. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Police have registered a case against two faculty members for abetment of suicide and under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, following allegations that he was harassed on the basis of caste and complexion.
Student representatives told reporters that the college management has not addressed key concerns even days after the incident. They said a detailed petition outlining their demands would be submitted to the administration.
Among their key demands is the removal of Dental Anatomy Head of Department M K Ram, who is named as a prime accused in the case. They also demanded action against other staff allegedly involved.
The students alleged that the institution lacks transparency in its functioning and said they are not aware of the composition of the college management. They further said the students’ union has limited effectiveness due to lack of institutional support.
They stressed that the inquiry into Nithin Raj’s death must be transparent and time-bound, and said protests would continue until their demands are met. With university examinations underway, they are currently observing a silent protest.
Meanwhile, apart from the police investigation, separate inquiries have been initiated by the Kerala SC/ST Commission, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, the Kerala State Youth Commission, and the Medical Education Department. The accused faculty members, including M K Ram and Dr Sangeetha, remain untraced.
In a related development, DYFI activists allegedly damaged the nameboard of Dr Dilna’s Dental Clinic in Edakkad, Kannur, during a protest march. Police said the march was initially stopped by barricades, but a few protesters entered the premises and vandalised the clinic signage before erecting party flags and banners.
Separately, the Muslim Youth League staged a march to the office of the Kannur City Police Commissioner, protesting the delay in arresting the accused. Police blocked the march with barricades and used water cannons after protesters refused to disperse, continuing their agitation into the afternoon.
(With inputs from PTI)