Kerala CM denies delay in CBI probe of student death

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday vehemently denied any attempts to delay the CBI probe concerning the death of a student at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad.

Responding to queries in the State Assembly regarding the demise of 20-year-old Sidharthan, who was discovered hanging inside the bathroom of his college hostel on February 18, Vijayan asserted that there was no procrastination in handing the case to the CBI and that prompt action was taken from the outset.

Vijayan addressed the question posed by Kalpetta MLA T Siddhique about the alleged deliberate delay in the CBI investigation.

He clarified that while the state government acted swiftly, certain Home Department officials failed to expedite the procedure for referring the case to the CBI, leading to the suspension of three officials.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the deceased’s relatives met him on March 9, and an order to transfer the case to the CBI was issued on the same day. Terming the incident as unfortunate, Vijayan confirmed that 20 individuals had been arrested following the investigation.

Police reports indicate that Sidharthan’s classmates and seniors publicly accused him of misbehaving with a female student, leading to wrongful restraint and injuries. The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act.