Nithin Raj’s kin visit dental college

Kannur/T'puram: The family of Nithin Raj, a BDS student of Kannur Dental College at Anjarakandy who allegedly committed suicide on April 10 at the campus, visited the college on Tuesday. The campus witnessed emotional scenes when the boy's father Rajan, sister Rakhi and brother-in-law Ashokan examined the spot where he was found after falling from the building. Later, they also visited his hostel room.The boy's family refused to meet authorities at the dental college. Rajan reiterated that his son was murdered and his death was not a suicide. "I don't want to see the people who killed my son," he said.Ashokan alleged that Raj had to endure severe mental torture from teachers, including Latha, and added that they should be booked under suicide abetment charges. He also alleged that there was an attempt to dilute caste-based harassment charges. The family said the Kannur City police commissioner will record a fresh statement based on their visit to the college.Meanwhile, 52 dalit organizations, along with like-minded political parties, have called for a statewide hartal on April 28, alleging lack of progress in the investigation and serious lapses by police. The council sought a probe under high court supervision.The council alleged that "a student who was supposed to become a doctor was either killed or driven to suicide." It demanded compensation of Rs 10 crore for the bereaved family.A protest declaration convention was held at E K Nayanar Auditorium in Putharikandam Ground on Tuesday. It demanded that all those responsible be brought before the law. Not only department head Dr M K Ram and Dr Sangeetha Nambiar, but also the college principal and others be included in the list, the convention demanded.Meanwhile, tensions flared in Kannur after a march organised by Dalit League to the college on Tuesday turned violent. A clash reportedly broke out when security officials deployed by the college management attempted to block the protesters.