Kerala Dental College: Student Death Sparks Caste Abuse Allegations

A first-year dental student in Kannur, Kerala, has died, with his family claiming caste abuse and harassment from college staff. This follows similar incidents in other Indian states.
By Newsroom | Education, Social Issues |

KANNUR, KERALA – April 13, 2026 – A cloud of grave allegations hangs over Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur, following the recent death of Nithin Raj, a first-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student. Raj, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, died on Friday after an apparent fall from a college building, an event his family attributes to severe caste-based and racial abuse, alongside harassment from faculty members.

Death of BDS student: ABVP submits plaint to Union Minister - 1

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has escalated the matter, lodging a formal complaint with Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, and the National Medical Commission. The student body is pushing for an unvarnished inquiry into Raj's death and decisive action against those implicated.

Death of BDS student: ABVP submits plaint to Union Minister - 2

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The ABVP's intervention underscores the gravity of the situation, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nithin Raj's demise and stringent repercussions for any individuals found responsible.

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Classmates Detail Culture of Fear and Abuse

Students at the college have come forward with disturbing accounts of psychological and physical torment, describing practices that allegedly pushed students to their breaking point. The focus of these accusations largely centers on Dr. M.K. Ram, Head of Department, who is accused of a pattern of intimidation, body shaming, and both mental and physical abuse.

Read More: Teachers Sentenced for Abusing Students in Scotland, US, and UK Since 2024

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  • Students claim Dr. Ram wielded significant control over internal marks and viva voce examinations, allegedly using this power to stifle dissent through threats of academic failure.

  • Class boycotts and escalating protests mark the student response, with participants demanding immediate intervention.

  • There is a strong rejection of earlier narratives suggesting loan app threats as the cause of Raj's death, with students asserting this is a deliberate misdirection to shield college authorities and accused staff.

  • Protesters are adamant that faculty members implicated in misconduct, including those accused of communal remarks, will not be protected.

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The student testimonies paint a picture of a hostile academic environment, where perceived abuses of power, including manipulation of academic assessments and personal intimidation, created an unbearable atmosphere.

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Broader Context: A Pattern of Harassment Claims

This incident in Kerala is not isolated. Earlier reports from July 2025 detailed similar allegations in Udaipur, where a BDS student's alleged suicide was linked to college harassment and institutional neglect. In that case, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association called for official intervention, citing the student's note that spoke of forced bribes and undue workload. Two faculty members were subsequently expelled following that incident.

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Furthermore, a separate case from August 2025 in Odisha saw the arrest of an ABVP leader and another individual in connection with a student's self-immolation. The student had reportedly filed a police complaint prior to the incident, with no immediate action taken.

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The recurring nature of these allegations across different institutions, involving student deaths and subsequent accusations of harassment, points to a broader, unsettling trend within certain educational establishments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Nithin Raj, a first-year dental student in Kannur, Kerala, die?
Nithin Raj died on Friday, April 11, 2026, after an apparent fall from a college building. His family claims he faced severe caste-based and racial abuse, along with harassment from faculty members.
Q: What action is being taken after the student's death at Anjarakandy Dental College?
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has filed a complaint with the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs and the National Medical Commission, demanding a full inquiry into Raj's death.
Q: What are students saying about the situation at the college?
Classmates have shared disturbing accounts of psychological and physical abuse, naming Dr. M.K. Ram, Head of Department, for alleged intimidation and bullying. Students are boycotting classes and protesting, rejecting claims that loan app threats caused the death.
Q: Are there similar cases of student harassment in other colleges?
Yes, similar allegations of harassment and institutional neglect leading to student deaths have been reported. In July 2025, a BDS student in Udaipur allegedly died due to college harassment, and in August 2025, a student in Odisha self-immolated after filing a police complaint about harassment.
Q: What do students want to happen next at Anjarakandy Dental College?
Students are demanding immediate intervention and are firm that faculty members accused of misconduct, including communal remarks, should not be protected. They believe the focus on loan apps is a distraction from the real issues of abuse and harassment by college authorities.