Kerala High Court on Friday(5th April), mandates CBI probe into the death of Sidharthan JS, a student at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, amid allegations of severe ragging. His demise on February 18.
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court on Friday(5th April), has mandated the Central Government to promptly issue a notification assigning the investigation of Sidharthan JS’s death to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Sidharthan, a 20-year-old second-year undergraduate student at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad, was found deceased in his hostel room under circumstances that have led to allegations of brutal ragging by fellow students. His demise occurred on February 18.
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Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, presiding over the case, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating-
“Any delay in initiating the investigation as ordered could significantly harm the process and potentially benefit those responsible for the crime. This should not be tolerated in any investigation. Therefore, it is imperative for the Union of India to promptly take action and issue the necessary notification under Section 5 of the Act without any further delay. This action should be completed before the next hearing scheduled for April 9.”
In response to a petition filed by Sidharthan’s father, Jayaprakash T, seeking a speedy transfer of the case to the CBI for a thorough and impartial investigation, the court issued its ruling. Jayaprakash detailed a distressing narrative of his son’s last days, alleging that Sidharthan endured severe mistreatment by certain students and hostel residents, including being deprived of food and water for three days prior to his demise.
Following the discovery of Sidharthan’s body, the police initially registered the case as an unnatural death. Charges relating to the abetment of suicide, criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code, and violations of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act were added subsequently.
The petitioner also raised concerns about the apparent protection of the arrested students by local political figures, which, he argued, could potentially hinder a fair investigation by the state police. This claim further bolstered the demand for the case to be handed over to the CBI.
Despite the Kerala State Government’s decision to entrust the investigation to the CBI following a representation to the Chief Minister, Jayaprakash has contended that crucial documents necessary for the investigation were not forwarded to the Central Government in a timely manner, resulting in delays that could compromise the probe’s effectiveness.
- Senior Advocate George Poonthottam and advocate Nisha George representing Jayaprakash.
- Senior Central Government Counsel TC Krishna appeared for the Central government. The CBI was represented by Senior Advocate KP Satheesan along with advocates Bharath Mohan and P Narayanan.
CASE TITLE:
Jayaprakash T v. Union of India & Ors.
READ THE ORDER