Kannur dental college caste row death: Court grants interim bail to one faculty, denies to another

Kannur: Thalassery Additional Sessions Court-IV court on Saturday considered interim bail petitions filed by two faculty members accused in connection with the death of a first-year BDS student at a private dental college in Anjarakandy. The court granted interim bail to Associate Professor K T Dr Sangeetha Nambiar, while rejecting the plea of Dental Anatomy Department Head Dr M K Ram.

The petitions had been moved by both accused, who had also submitted anticipatory bail applications before the same court. In their submissions, they stated they had no role in the student’s death.

Court observations and prosecution claims

The court observed that police had not produced direct evidence to establish charges against Dr Nambiar. The prosecution cited a photograph sent by Nithin Raj to his family and a remark alleging the teacher had been subjecting him to continuous mental harassment as evidence against her.

The defence argued that she was in Karnataka at the time of the incident and had no role in events that took place in the principal’s room; the court accepted this submission.

In contrast, the prosecution opposed anticipatory bail for Dr Ram. It argued that the accused attempted to evade responsibility through false statements relating to caste, which police and prosecution said had been disproved. Accepting this contention, the court rejected his plea.

Family reaction and ongoing case

Deceased Nithin Raj’s father told the media that he and the family were not satisfied with the court’s decision. He termed the grant of bail to the second accused as “shameful” and said they would approach a higher court so that his son’s soul could find peace.

He also alleged that despite handing over clear evidence of sustained mental harassment by teachers, police were colluding to protect the accused. The family said it would continue its legal battle against the bail granted to Dr Nambiar.

Student falls from building, later succumbs

The deceased, 22-year-old Raj, identified as Nithin Raj R L, was found critically injured after falling from a building on April 10. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, police booked Dr Ram (first accused) and Dr Nambiar (second accused) for abetment of suicide under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, based on allegations of caste and complexion-based harassment.

The college management dismissed Dr Ram on Thursday after student protests. Both accused faculty members remain untraced in the ongoing proceedings.