In a shocking case of alleged caste-based harassment in Kerala, a first-year BDS student at Kannur Dental College, Ancharakandy, died by suspected suicide, with the family of RL Nithin Raj alleging that he was subjected to caste-based abuse, including being called a “rotten dog” by a teacher.
RL Nithin Raj, a 22-year-old Dalit student, was found injured in the college backyard and rushed to Kannur Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries around 3 pm.
The family of RL Nithin Raj has raised serious allegations against the college, with his father Rajan claiming that a teacher abused his son using caste slurs and derogatory remarks, including calling him a “rotten dog.”
Relatives alleged that Nithin was publicly humiliated in front of other students, repeatedly targeted over his caste, skin colour, and his father’s occupation, and was threatened with academic failure and dire consequences if he complained.
According to family members, Nithin had spoken to his father and sisters around 11 am on the day of the incident and had even booked a train ticket to return home later that day, after which his whereabouts became unclear.
An audio clip, purportedly of Nithin, surfaced after his death, in which he described the harassment he faced in the staff room, alleging that teachers threatened him and subjected him to targeted humiliation.
“I tolerated the insults as far as I could. They insulted my mother and her surgery. My answer sheet was circulated among students, highlighting my spelling mistakes,” he was heard saying.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.