Governor-Ordered Inquiry Into Kerala Veterinary University's Student Death Reveals Administrative Lapses

An inquiry commissioned by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan uncovered administrative lapses at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University leading to the death of student Sidharthan J S. The report submitted by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice A Hariprasad highlights lack of action on previous ragging incidents and attributed some responsibility to the Vice Chancellor.

An inquiry ordered by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has unveiled significant administrative failings at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, which may have contributed to the tragic death of a student.

Retired Kerala High Court judge Justice A Hariprasad led the Commission of Inquiry and presented the comprehensive report to Governor Khan at Raj Bhavan. The inquiry was initiated following the February 18th death of 20-year-old Sidharthan J S, who was discovered hanging in the hostel bathroom of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

The report indicted the Vice Chancellor for failing to maintain campus discipline and noted previous incidents of ragging that went unaddressed due to a lack of coordination among university officials. In the wake of the tragedy, both the Dean and the assistant warden were suspended, followed by the Vice Chancellor. The investigation also saw police charging 18 individuals connected to the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. The state government later transferred the case to the CBI at the family's request.

(With inputs from agencies.)