Wayanad- The Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) finds itself embroiled in controversy following the tragic death of second-year veterinary science student JS Sidharthan. The circumstances surrounding his demise, allegedly the result of brutal assault, have cast a spotlight on the university's disciplinary procedures and the influence of influential individuals within its administration.

JS Sidharthan was discovered dead in the toilet of his hostel on February 18, prompting shock and outrage within the university community and beyond. Post-mortem examinations revealed signs of severe assault, suggesting a harrowing ordeal endured by the young student in the days leading up to his death.

Amidst the investigation into Sidharthan's death, a new controversy emerged when it was revealed that the son of the Vice-Chancellor's private secretary was among the students whose suspensions were briefly revoked.

The initial decision to revoke the suspensions of 33 students, ostensibly first-year students not residing in the hostel, drew scrutiny when it became apparent that the list included individuals with influential connections.

Reportedly, the private secretary had forwarded to the dean the VC's instruction to revoke the suspensions. Though 57 other seniors were included among the 90 suspended students, none of their names were included in the list of students whose suspensions were revoked.

The governor later intervened and set aside the VC's order revoking the suspensions. The students have been suspended till April 4.

Furthermore, reports surfaced suggesting that political pressure played a role in the acceptance of this directive, despite objections raised by university officials regarding its legality.

Concerns were also raised over the lack of consultation with the university's legal counsel before revoking the suspensions, indicating potential breaches of protocol in the decision-making process.

Of particular concern was the alleged influence exerted to remove certain names from the list of suspended students, including individuals reportedly present during the incidents leading to Sidharthan's tragic demise. The involvement of the Vice-Chancellor's private secretary, who also oversees the university's legal cell, added another layer of complexity to the controversy.

In response to mounting criticism and calls for transparency, both the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. PC Sasendran, and the private secretary, K Sheeba, defended their actions. They attributed the decision to revoke suspensions to the Vice-Chancellor's instructions and disputed allegations of undue influence or favoritism.

As investigations into Sidharthan's death continue, former High Court judge A Hariprasad has been appointed to lead an independent inquiry.

The terms of reference for the probe, which will be finalized after a meeting with Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, aim to uncover the truth behind the tragic incident and ensure accountability for those responsible.

In the midst of this tumultuous saga, questions persist regarding the university's commitment to upholding disciplinary standards and ensuring justice for the victim, JS Sidharthan.

Who was Sidharthan?

Sidharthan was a second-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry student who tragically lost his life on February 18. His body was discovered inside the bathroom of the college hostel under distressing circumstances, prompting an outcry for justice and a thorough investigation into the incident.

The victim's father vehemently asserted that his son's death was not a case of suicide but rather a murder. He highlighted the brutal nature of the assault, as revealed by Kerala police's recent remand report, which indicated that the victim was subjected to vicious and prolonged assault by his college mates.

According to police reports, the assault stemmed from allegations of misbehavior with a fellow female student, leading to a group of students brutally attacking him. The assailants reportedly stripped him down to his underwear and used weapons like belts and cable wires during the assault, which lasted for several hours.

Amidst the allegations, speculation arose regarding the involvement of the Left-affiliated Students Federation of India (SFI) in the incident. However, SFI vehemently denied any involvement in the assault.

The Kerala police have taken swift action, charging 18 individuals in connection with the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Kerala Prohibition Of Ragging Act. However, demands for a thorough and impartial investigation, including the possibility of a CBI probe, continue to reverberate as the quest for justice for Sidharthan intensifies.

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