Death of Kannur dental student Nithin Raj: Kerala govt forms SIT to ‘further probe’ case
The Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the death of a Dalit dental student, Nithin Raj, following allegations of caste-based harassment by faculty. The main suspect has been arrested after significant public and legal pressure.
Why it matters
The case highlights systemic issues of caste discrimination in Indian educational institutions and the resulting political pressure for legislative reform.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday (July 20, 2026) constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to “further probe” the death of BDS student R.L. Nithin Raj at Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur in April, allegedly due to caste shaming and inquisitorial questioning by members of the faculty.
Mr Chennithala’s order comes hours after the Kerala Crime Branch police arrested the main suspect in the case, Dr M.K. Ram , former Head of the Dental Anatomy Department at the Kannur college, from Coorg in Karnataka.
Ajith Beegum, Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, will head the SIT, which would cover “overlooked aspects of the case”, including the possible role of other faculty members, in the Dalit student’s death.
Nithin Raj’s father, a daily-wage worker, called on Mr Chennithala at his office and expressed relief at the arrest of Dr Ram.
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