Nithin’s kin raise caste abuse charge

Thiruvananthapuram: The body of R L Nithin Raj, a 23-year-old first-year BDS student who died after falling from a building at a dental college in Ancharakandi on April 10 in a suspected suicide, was buried on family-owned land in Uzhamalakkal on Sunday. Emotional scenes unfolded as the body was brought home for public viewing. Relatives, neighbours and local residents gathered to pay their last respects. Family members broke down repeatedly, struggling to cope with the loss. His sister, Nikita, alleged that Nithin who belonged to a scheduled caste community, had been subjected to sustained harassment by faculty members throughout his time at the college. "He was constantly targeted over his caste, colour and financial background. Teachers insulted him in class, called him names and made him feel inferior. Even after we complained to the principal, no action was taken," she said. Nikita said that Nithin was called a rabid dog in front of the entire class by a faculty member. "Once, when the harassment became unbearable, he reacted—after which the verbal abuse only worsened," she added. "Some students were forced to laugh at derogatory remarks in class, and those who refused were punished. No one dared to speak up," she said. Sheeba M R, the mother of JS Siddharthan — who died in a suspected ragging-related incident at Pookode Veterinary College — visited the family to offer her condolences. The meeting of the two bereaved mothers moved many present to tears. "I have not stepped out of my house for any function since my son died. But when I heard about this, I felt I had to come. Only a mother who has gone through this pain can truly understand it," Sheeba said. She also questioned the handling of her son's case and pointed out that the absence of accountability was allowing such tragedies to repeat. "If strict action had been taken then, this would not be happening again. There is no fear of the law," she said. CCTV footage showed Nithin entering the college building's lift shortly before the incident on Friday afternoon.
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