Wayanad: Professor Dr. MR Saseendranath, who was suspended from the post of Vice Chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) following Siddharth’s death at the university hostel, responded to the media. Dr. Saseendranath stated that Siddharth’s death should not have occurred, emphasizing the clear presence of SFI leaders in the incident.
Furthermore, Dr. Saseendranath highlighted serious lapses in monitoring day-to-day activities at the veterinary university hostel, particularly on the part of the Dean and assistant warden, citing the investigation by the anti-ragging cell.
However, Dr. Saseendranath refused to characterize his suspension as a revengeful act by the Governor, acknowledging the Governor’s authority to suspend authorities in connection with the veterinary student’s death case.
Siddharth, a second-year BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) student, was found dead on February 18th at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University campus in Pookode, Wayanad district, following attacks and insults from SFI leaders in the college.
According to police reports, problems erupted on February 14th 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 18th, Siddharth was found dead, hanging in the hostel bathroom on the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University campus in Pookode.
Initially, the police lodged a case of unnatural death. However, 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 his seniors and attacked again. 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.
BJP and ABVP staged several protests across the country in connection with SFI’s attacks against Siddharth. SFI faced criticism from several corners for its routinely used wanton violence, social shaming, public trials, smear campaigns and inquisitorial methods on college campuses.
Comments