A first-year BDS student, Nithin Raj, who was found dead on the campus of Kannur Dental College in Anjarakandy on Friday, had allegedly shared voice messages with his family describing caste-based abuse and harassment by a faculty member. The case, initially registered as an unnatural death, has triggered an official inquiry and growing protests. Three audio clips, reportedly sent by Nithin to his family, surfaced on Sunday. In these recordings, he is heard alleging verbal abuse and threats from a faculty member. According to his sister Nikitha, additional call recordings and evidence are stored on his phone.

In one clip, Nithin recounts an incident in the staffroom where he was allegedly called an “idiot” and threatened with physical harm. He claimed the faculty member warned him against leaving the premises and made remarks suggesting he could be seriously injured. Kozhikode Suicide Case: Shimjitha Mustafa Arrested in Kerala After Viral Bus Harassment Video Linked to Deepak’s Suicide.

Kannur Dental College Student Dies by Suicide in Kerala

Nithin also stated that other students had approached him with similar complaints about the same faculty member. In another message, he described being mocked in class, including remarks about his mother’s surgery, and alleged that his exam marks were reduced as a form of intimidation.

Family Raises Concerns Over College Response

Nithin’s family has accused a faculty member, Dr M K Ram, of sustained harassment and alleged that the college administration attempted to downplay or deny prior complaints. The college principal, Dr Vinod Mony, has not responded to media queries regarding these allegations. Kozhikode Shocker: Man Dies by Suicide in Kerala After Viral Video Accuses Him of Se*ually Harassing Woman on Bus; Family Denies Claims.

Family members also questioned the manner in which they were informed about the incident. Nithin’s brother-in-law, Asokan, said the family was initially told only that he had sustained an injury and were not informed of his critical condition or death. His sister stated that they learned about his death through media reports.

Police Case and Official Inquiry

Following the incident, the Chakkarakkal police registered a case under Section 194 (unnatural death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the college administration, Nithin was found injured near the medical college block around 1:15 pm by another student. The State Human Rights Commission has initiated a suo motu case based on media reports and directed the City Police Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Faculty Suspended, Protests Intensify

In response to complaints, two faculty members—Dr M K Ram and K T Sangeetha Nambiar—have been suspended pending investigation. The incident has led to protests, with students and members of the public demanding accountability. Friends and teachers who attended Nithin’s funeral described him as a well-mannered student and expressed shock over his death.

Background and Ongoing Investigation

The case has drawn attention to issues of alleged caste-based discrimination and student welfare within educational institutions. Authorities are currently examining the voice recordings and other evidence as part of the investigation. Further action is expected based on the findings of the police inquiry and the Human Rights Commission’s report.

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Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 12, 2026 09:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).