The Kerala High Court has expressed significant concern over possible lapses by senior police officials in a case involving the death of a Dalit student, Nithin Raj. The court is scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the release of Dr. M Kodanda Ram, a professor at Kannur Dental College, who was arrested after allegations surfaced that his actions drove Raj to suicide.
Questioning Police Procedures
On Wednesday, Justice A Badharudeen criticized the State police for failing to properly communicate the grounds of Dr. Ram’s arrest, leading to a trial court declaring the arrest illegal. This oversight resulted in Dr. Ram’s release, raising suspicions of a broader conspiracy. The court’s interim order highlighted a “prima facie” belief of involvement from high-ranking police officials in protecting Dr. Ram from detention.
Justice Badharudeen questioned how a Deputy Superintendent of Police could neglect a fundamental legal safeguard mandated by the Supreme Court, which is to inform the accused of their arrest grounds. “This seems orchestrated by senior officials of the State Police to protect the accused,” he remarked, advising the department to conduct an internal investigation. “Otherwise, this Court may have to intervene,” he added.
Concerns Over Police Conduct
The court was visibly concerned about the police’s apparent reluctance to detain Dr. Ram, noting that the police only acted once all anticipatory bail pleas were denied by the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court. Justice Badharudeen criticized the police’s conduct, stating, “You followed the accused, stayed with him, and avoided his arrest. Only after legal options were exhausted did you arrest him.”
The court’s discontent extended to the current investigating officer, questioning why disciplinary actions had not been taken. “Justice is being denied to a family from a weaker section, supposedly protected by special legislation,” Justice Badharudeen noted, condemning the police’s apparent bias towards protecting affluent individuals over marginalized communities.
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Legal Proceedings and Further Action
The High Court was hearing a plea from Nithin Raj’s parents, who sought clarity on the Supreme Court’s directives regarding arrest procedures. Advocate A Parvathi Menon, representing the family, argued that Dr. Ram was aware of the allegations, having been on the run for over a hundred days and challenging his arrest at various legal forums, including the Supreme Court.
Justice Badharudeen has directed the investigating officer to appear before the court on July 24, along with all documents submitted to the special court that ordered Dr. Ram’s release. The court also requested an affidavit confirming compliance with the Supreme Court’s arrest formalities.
Nithin Raj’s tragic death on April 10, after allegedly enduring caste-based harassment at the dental college, has led to Dr. Ram being charged with abetment of suicide and offenses under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Dr. Ram is represented by a team of advocates, including S Rajeev, V Vinay, MS Aneer, and others.
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As the investigation continues, the Kerala High Court remains vigilant in ensuring justice is served and any potential misconduct by the police is thoroughly examined.
