Student’s death: Two dental college teachers suspended in Kerala

KANNUR: Two teachers of Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur were suspended pending inquiry in connection with the death of a first-year BDS student, who allegedly ended life over alleged harassment from faculties. The action was taken against Dr M K Ram, head of dental anatomy and Dr Sangeetha, associate professor.Nithin Raj (23), a first-year BDS student, died after falling from the college building in a suspected case of suicide on Friday. The deceased is a native of Uzhamalakkal in Thiruvananthapuram. Following his death, Chakkarakkal police registered a case under Section 194 (unnatural death) of BNS.Investigations are under way and they are awaiting the autopsy report to confirm the exact cause of death, said police. According to college authorities, Nithin was found dead around 1.15pm by a student near the medical college block. Though he was rushed to the emergency department, his life couldn't be saved.Nithin's family alleged that he might have taken the extreme step after his visit to the staff room. They said that he was very angry after the visit to the staff room and though his friends called him for lunch afterwards, he declined.According to the family, one of his teachers had verbally harassed him after he filed a complaint with the principal against the head of department (HOD). Nithin faced constant abuse by teachers based on his skin colour, caste and financial status, they alleged.However, college authorities denied the allegations. College principal Dr Vinod Mony told the media that no such complaint was received from the student.College authorities informed that the two teachers were placed under suspension, pending inquiry, based on a complaint regarding their role in Nithin's death. The college is cooperating with the ongoing police investigation and final action against the teachers will be taken after the police probe is completed, authorities said.Nithin is survived by his parents Y L Rajan and Latha and two sisters.