Kochi: On April 5th, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated an FIR in the JS Sidharthan suicide case. The FIR reveals that Sidharthan faced continuous mental and physical torture from seniors and classmates for 29 hours leading up to his suicide.
The FIR has been lodged against 20 individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. While Akhil K is named as the main accused, others include Kashinandhan R, Ameen Akbarali U, Arun K, Sinjo Johnson, N Asif Khan, Aman Ihsan, Ajay J, Althaf A, Soud Risal EK, Adithyan V, Muhammed Dhanish, Rehan Binoy, Akash SD, Abhishek S, Shreehari RD, Dons Dai, Billgate Joshwa Thannikkode, Naseef V, and Abhi A.
Documents attached to the FIR, including a statement from Sub-Inspector Prashobh PV, reveal that Sidharthan was subjected to continuous physical and mental torture by seniors and classmates. This torture led him to a state of extreme mental stress, ultimately resulting in his decision to take his own life.
Initially, the case was registered as a case of unnatural death. However, further investigation uncovered the extent of torture endured by the victim. Several Students Federation of India (SFI) leaders and members, including Arun K, Amal Ihsan, Asif Khan, and Abhishek S, are among the accused.
JS Sidharthan's death in the KVASU hostel on February 18th sparked outrage in the state. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan suspended the vice-chancellor of the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Professor (Dr) MR Saseendranath, following the incident. Additionally, 31 university students were suspended for their involvement in the case.
Most of the accused are members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), a student group affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Eleven individuals have been arrested so far, with four of them being SFI leaders.
Following serious allegations against the Kerala government by JS Sidharthan's father, Jayaprakash, regarding his son's death, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered a CBI inquiry into the case on March 9th. Jayaprakash has threatened to protest outside the Kerala CM's residence if action is not taken to address the matter.
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