Kerala: 6 Arrested For Ragging, Abetment To Suicide In Connection With Veterinary College Student's Death

On February 18, Sidharth JS, a second-year BVSC student from Nedumangad on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, was found dead by hanging.

Based on the committee report, the students were also booked for Prohibition of Ragging Act and abetment of suicide. 

Source : Pixabay

The family of a 20-year-old student of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in  Pookode, who died by suicide, has accused members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) of subjecting him to severe torture. The allegations further detailed that Siddarth was deprived of food and water for three days which reportedly drove him to take the extreme step.

According to ANI, "Police have arrested six persons in connection with the death of JS Sidhharth, a student in Govt. Veterinary College, Pookkode in Wayanad. The 20-year-old JS Sidhharth was found hanging in the college hostel on February 18."

Wayanad, Kerala: Police have arrested six persons in connection with the death of JS Sidhharth, a student in Govt. Veterinary College, Pookkode in Wayanad.

The 20-year-old JS Sidhharth was found hanging in the college hostel on February 18.

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024

 

On February 18, Sidharth J S, a second-year BVSC student from Nedumangad on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, was found dead by hanging. The post-mortem examination revealed that he was severely harassed. In addition to multiple injury marks which were two to three days old, his stomach was found empty. It also suggested he may have been deprived of food during the three days of torment, said a report on Deccan Herald.

During the Valentine's Day function, Sidharth was physically assaulted by some seniors and classmates for dancing with senior female students. Jayaprakash reported that on February 15, as Sidharth was on his way home, he received a call from some students urging him to come back. Although he had already reached Ernakulam, he decided to return.

Sidharth's mother said that this was a trap. Upon his return to the hostel, he was attacked by the seniors, among whom was an SFI leader from the college union.

The anti-ragging committee of the college also found that the victim was brutally beaten up and the college suspended 12 students on February 24, according to a report on The New Indian Express. Based on the committee report, the students were also booked for Prohibition of Ragging Act and abetment of suicide. 

(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, they can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state. 

Tamil Nadu: The State Health Department's Suicide Helpline is 104. 

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)