‘Isolated like a prisoner’: Family blames casteist abuse for Kannur Dental College student’s death

Kannur (Kerala) : A relative of Nithinraj, the student who died at Anjarakandy Dental College here has described the hostel where he stayed as being like a "prison". S M Ashok Kumar, the husband of Nithinraj’s sister Rakhi, stated that when Nithinraj was shivering with fever two months ago, he was moved to a solitary room. During those days, his classmates were kept away, and hostel authorities even blocked communication between them. Ashok Kumar and other relatives arrived in Anjarakandy after receiving news of the incident.

“He faced unspeakable torture from the college authorities and certain fellow students. There was constant ragging, casteist abuse and insults regarding his skin colour. He was systematically isolated like a prisoner. The authorities turned a deaf ear to his complaints. When the situation became severe, he was prepared to quit his studies and return home. At that time, I and others comforted him and encouraged him to continue. It was into the hands of these killers that we sent our child,” Ashok Kumar said through tears.

He added that some students at the college informed them that certain seniors had physically assaulted Nithinraj.

Nithinraj secured admission at Anjarakandy Dental College last year after preparing for entrance exams for four years after his Plus Two. Although he did not secure a management seat, approximately Rs 30,000 was spent initially on various fees. The family currently lives in a rented house.