The death of a 22-year-old Dalit medical student in Kerala’s Kannur has triggered a multi-angle investigation, with police examining both alleged caste discrimination and harassment by an online loan app.
The student, Nithin Raj R L, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, died on Friday after falling from a building at a private dental college campus in Anjarakandy. His death has sparked widespread protests and allegations of institutional harassment.
Police have registered a case under abetment of suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 against two faculty members.
Loan App Harassment Emerges as Key Angle
According to police, the student had taken a loan of ₹13,500 from an online lending app in February. The app allegedly demanded ₹19,000 within a month and began aggressively pursuing repayment.
Officials said the student received nearly 96 calls and messages in a single day shortly before his death.
Kannur City Police Commissioner Nidhinraj P said the pressure extended beyond the student. “A faculty member received 26 calls from the same group after the app accessed the student’s contact list,” he said.
Police added that the student was later called to the principal’s office, and “about 10 minutes after he came out of the chamber, he jumped from the building.”
Investigators believe the intense harassment may have added to the student’s distress.
Allegations of Caste Discrimination
Alongside the financial pressure, the student’s family and protestors have alleged that he faced humiliation in college due to his caste, appearance, and background.
These allegations are also part of the ongoing investigation. Police have not ruled out institutional discrimination as a contributing factor.
The student’s family has demanded a thorough probe, raising suspicions over the circumstances surrounding his death.
Crackdown on Unregulated Loan Apps
Police said the loan app involved was not available on official platforms and was being circulated through social media links. Such apps often access users’ contact lists and use them to pressure borrowers by contacting family, friends, and colleagues.
Authorities are now investigating the operators of the app for alleged harassment and abetment.
Institutional and Government Response
The Kerala University of Health Sciences has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. A four-member committee will examine both the circumstances of the death and the functioning of the college.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummel said strict action will be taken if any wrongdoing is found.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the incident “deeply painful” and said those responsible for humiliation and harassment had committed an “unforgivable crime.” He also stressed the need to address caste discrimination in higher education institutions.
Protests and Support for Family
The death has triggered protests across Kerala, with student groups and activists demanding accountability.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh and support to build a house for the student’s family. The student’s father is a daily wage worker, while his mother is employed under the MGNREGS scheme.
