CBI didn't delay investigation into Sidharthan's death: Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated in the Assembly on Monday that the government has not attempted to delay the investigation into the death of J S Sidharthan, a student of Pookode Veterinary College. Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that the government and police have undertaken efficient and transparent investigative measures, though he acknowledged that three officers involved in the case showed a lack of vigilance.

Three Home Department officials were suspended due to lapses in completing the process of handing over the case to CBI. However, after reviewing their explanations, they were reinstated. Vijayan was responding to the question by Kalpetta MLA T Siddhique on the action taken in the matter and allegations that the CBI probe was deliberately delayed.

He explained that upon receiving the family's petition, the government immediately agreed to their request to involve the CBI and issued an order the same day. "Can things be sabotaged by a delay of two or three days by a few officials? Basically, it cannot be changed except for propaganda," he added. The officials were suspended because they were found to have committed a lapse.

Terming it an unfortunate incident. Vijayan said 20 accused were arrested in the matter based on the investigation. According to the remand report submitted by the police, his classmates and seniors held a public trial inside the hostel alleging that he had misbehaved with a girl student of the college.

Police have charged the accused under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon), 306 (Abetment of suicide), of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging.

(With inputs from PTI)