The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into the tragic death of a 20-year-old veterinary student in Kerala’s Wayanad district. Sidharthan JS was found hanging in the college hostel bathroom on February 18, with his family alleging that he was a victim of severe ragging by fellow students, including members of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist’s student wing, Student’s Federation of India (SFI).
As per a PTI report, the CBI has re-registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 20 individuals at the Vythiri police station in Wayanad. The accused face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to criminal conspiracy, abetment to suicide, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, and Kerala’s anti-ragging law. A CBI team, along with forensic experts, is set to visit the state soon to conduct further investigations.
The incident, which occurred on February 18, has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Sidharthan, a second-year student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Wayanad, reportedly endured physical and mental torture at the hands of his seniors and peers. According to police documents, he was subjected to relentless ragging and assault using a belt from February 16 to 17, leading to severe mental distress.
The sub-inspector of Vythiri police station, Prashobh PV, mentioned in the case file that Sidharthan felt immense pressure and hopelessness due to the continuous harassment, ultimately leading him to take his own life. The tragic incident has highlighted the issue of ragging in educational institutions and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies
