The Pookode Veterinary College in Wayanad informed the Kerala High Court, on Thursday, April 10, that it had expelled all 19 students accused in connection with the death of JS Sidharthan. The students had initially been allowed to continue their studies on a different campus, but this was challenged by Sidharthan’s family in court. Following this, the High Court directed the university to take appropriate action. Sidharthan, a second-year student, was found dead in a hostel washroom in February 2024. The university's statement was in response to a petition filed by MN Sheeba, Sidharthan’s mother.
The university told the court that the decision to expel the students followed an internal inquiry, which concluded that the 19 individuals were responsible for the abuse leading to Sidharthan’s death.
Sidharthan was found dead on February 18, 2024. Initially believed to be a suicide, the nature of his death came under scrutiny after the post-mortem report revealed that he had been subjected to prolonged physical and mental abuse by his batchmates and seniors. He was reportedly harassed in multiple areas of the hostel, including the dormitory, rooms, and courtyard.
Some of the accused are members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of Kerala’s ruling party. According to Sidharthan’s parents, the harassment was allegedly triggered by jealousy or resentment after Sidharthan danced with a few female classmates on Valentine’s Day in 2023.
The 19 students have been charged with multiple offences, including ragging and abetment of suicide.