Wayanad: One more veterinary college student arrested in connection with the death of Siddharth, a second-year BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) student who was found dead at Pookode Veterinary College in Wayanad. Kalpetta DySP TN Sajeevan said that Akhil, the main accused in the case, was arrested from Palakkad. With this arrest, a total of 7 veterinary students have been arrested in connection with Siddharth’s death. 11 others in the accused list are still absconding.
According to police reports, problems erupted on February 14 in connection with Valentine’s Day celebrations at the college. Some of Siddharth’s seniors brutally beat and insulted him publicly for performing a dance with senior girl students. Subsequently, on February 18, Siddharth was found dead, hanging in the hostel bathroom on the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University campus, Pookode.
Initially, the police lodged a case of unnatural death. But the case took a turn when the National Anti-Ragging Cell received a complaint. Siddharth’s classmates testified that Siddharth was a victim of ragging.
According to witnesses, before he was found hanging, Siddharth was called by Rehan, one of his seniors, and attacked. He was subjected to extreme brutality, stripped naked in front of 130 hostel students, and beaten with iron rods, wires, and belts. The post-mortem report revealed that Siddharth’s backbone, head, and various parts of his body were injured. Police clarified that the attack was planned by a group led by Akhil, who is currently under arrest.
Meanwhile, Siddharth’s father, T Jayaprakash, said that the CPI(M) party is protecting the accused. He also said that the 12 accused in connection with the case are SFI members. The arrested are not the real culprits, he added.
The accused list, including the College Union President K Arun, Union Member Asif Khan, and SFI Unit Secretary Amal Iksan, has not yet been arrested.
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