On February 18, 2024, Siddharth, a 20-year-old student from Thiruvananthapuram, was found dead in the hostel washroom of Pookkode Veterinary College in Wayanad, Kerala. His death was attributed to suicide, but investigations revealed he had been subjected to severe ragging by fellow students, leading to his tragic demise.
The anti-ragging committee’s interim report detailed the brutal physical assault and public humiliation Siddharth endured from February 16 to 18. He was reportedly stripped to his underwear, beaten with belts and mobile phone chargers, and forced to perform degrading acts in front of peers.
In the aftermath, 18 students, including members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), were charged in connection with the incident. The case has drawn widespread attention, with calls for justice from various quarters. The Kerala High Court recently intervened to prevent the accused from continuing their studies, highlighting the severity of the crime.
As the first anniversary of Siddharth’s death approaches, his family continues to seek justice, reflecting on the profound loss and the urgent need to address the menace of ragging in educational institutions.
