Follow-up: Kerala Software Engineer's Suicide Note Rocks RSS with Sexual Abuse Claims; Congress Turns Aggressive as Priyanka Gandhi Warns of Lakhs of Children in Perilous Camps

Thiruvananthapuram- Amid the celebrations of the RSS's centenary year events, the suicide of Kerala software engineer Ananthu Aji and the shocking revelations in his suicide note accusing the RSS of sexual abuse have become a national talking point, leaving people stunned and demanding an immediate impartial probe from the Kerala government.

The 26-year-old Ananthu Aji's body was discovered hanging in a lodge room in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, on October 10. His scheduled Instagram post (@anantwo_aji) detailed years of sexual and physical abuse by RSS members since childhood, igniting a political firestorm. The Congress party has launched a fierce offensive against the RSS, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioning the organization's silence and calling for a full investigation.

Ananthu Aji, a resident of Thampalakad in Kottayam district, was drawn into the RSS as a child under his father's influence. In his 15-page Instagram post, he clarified that his suicide was not due to any romantic affair, debt, or other issues, but stemmed from anxiety, depression, and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) triggered by childhood trauma. He revealed that from the age of 3-4, a neighbor named NM- an active RSS-BJP worker he trusted like a brother, sexually abused him repeatedly. Later, during RSS's ITC (Intermediate Training Camp) and OTC (Officers Training Camp), multiple members subjected him to sexual and physical abuse, including beatings with sticks without reason.

Ananthu wrote, "Never befriend an RSS member. Not just a friend, if they're your father, brother, or even son, cut them out of your life. That's how toxic RSS members are. They spread venom; they are the real abusers." He emphasized that he was not the only victim and that many other children have suffered similar abuse in RSS camps.

The post has triggered a massive uproar on social media. The issue has now taken a political turn. All India Professionals' Congress (AIPC) Kerala State President Ranjith Balan issued a statement on October 12 expressing profound grief. He stated that Ananthu's post exposes a culture of silence and systemic abuse within the RSS. AIPC has demanded that the RSS issue an immediate public statement, suspend implicated individuals, and conduct a court-monitored independent investigation into the claims, particularly in shakhas and institutions. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) must take suo motu cognizance and oversee the probe.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra amplified the Congress's aggressive stance with her X post: "The RSS must allow these allegations to be investigated fully. In his suicide message, Ananthu Aji alleged that he was abused again and again by multiple members of the RSS. He clearly stated that he was not the only victim and rampant sexual abuse is taking place in RSS camps. If true, then this is horrifying. Lakhs of young children and teenagers attend these camps all over India. The leadership of the RSS must take immediate action; they must come clean. Sexual abuse of boys is a scourge as widespread as that of girls. The code of silence around these unspeakably heinous crimes has to be broken." Her statement went viral, with Congress supporters retweeting it to pile pressure on the RSS.

The Indian National Congress (INC) also released an official statement on X, headlined "Heinous, Horrific and Abhorrent—RSS's True Face Exposed 🚨." It described the death of the 26-year-old IT professional from Thiruvananthapuram as a shocking revelation of the RSS's dark side. Ananthu suffered from depression and OCD due to the trauma, leading to his suicide. The INC noted it's not an isolated incident, as Ananthu mentioned many other boys enduring similar abuse. Quoting him: "I was associated with the RSS since childhood; I was raped in an RSS ITC-OTC camp; RSS members sexually exploit many children." The party demanded an impartial probe and immediate action against all complicit RSS members. Youth Congress added on Instagram: "How long will RSS hide crimes under the guise of 'Sanskars'?"

Kerala's ruling CPI(M) and its youth wing, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), have also written to the police demanding an investigation. DYFI Kerala State Committee Vice Chairman VK Sanoj said, "This incident exposes the inhumane ideology of the RSS. Keep children away from such camps." The police have registered a case based on Ananthu's family's complaint, but the RSS has yet to issue any official response. Reports from media outlets like The New Indian Express and The Federal indicate the case is escalating into a political controversy, with the opposition pressuring the RSS.

In his note, Ananthu advised parents to educate children about good touch and bad touch, build strong bonds with them, and remain vigilant, as "childhood traumas never fully go away." He defended his sister Ammu's choices, including her intercaste marriage, and expressed no grudges against his community except the abuser. Financially, he wished for his debts to be cleared from his stocks, mutual funds, and digital gold savings. This tragedy is not just personal but raises critical questions about child safety in organizations. Experts believe if the allegations are proven, it could lead to a nationwide review of camps. Currently, pressure is mounting on NHRC and NCPCR, with hashtags like #RSS100YearsExposed trending on social media.