Wayanad Student Death: Congress MP Rahul Writes To Kerala CM Seeking CBI Investigation

Stating that the perpetrators of the crime were active members of the SFI, Rahul Gandhi said, Kerala government has a moral duty to act impartially.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with a request to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of JS Siddharth, a BVSC second-year student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode. The student was found dead in his hostel room on February 18 and the incident took place in Gandhi's Wayanad constituency.

Wayand MP Rahul Gandhi said, “Siddharth's tragic death after days of rigorous torture at the university has shocked our collective conscience. The perpetrators are active members of the SFI. The university administration as well as the law enforcement agencies sought to shield the perpetrators instead of bringing them to book."

"The Kerala government has a moral duty to act impartially. We demand a CBI investigation into the death of Siddarath. The future of our youth cannot be sacrificed at the altar of ruthless political ambitions,” he said, in the letter as per IANS. 

Till now, 18 persons have been arrested for their involvement in the case. The incident has also led to the suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Dean and Assistant Warden of the institution.

Additionally, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has reached out to the Kerala High Court, requesting an investigation to be conducted by either a current or retired judge from the high court or the Supreme Court.

Reports suggest that during Valentine's Day festivities, Sidharth was physically attacked by some senior students and classmates for dancing with senior female students. It is also believed that the death is linked to ragging and a confrontation with members of the SFI. 

Earlier, Congress leader Venugopal charged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with converting the SFI into a criminal enterprise.