Dalit student Nithin Raj dies after fall at Kannur college, police probe caste bias and loan app harassment, faculty booked, loan app under scrutiny, university orders inquiry.
Dalit student Nithin Raj dies after fall at Kannur college, police probe caste bias and loan app harassment, faculty booked, loan app under scrutiny, university orders inquiry. (AI Image)
The death of a 22-year-old Dalit medical student in Kerala’s Kannur district is being investigated from multiple angles, with police citing both alleged caste discrimination and harassment by a loan app as possible contributing factors.
Nithin Raj R L, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, died on Friday after falling from a building at a private dental college campus in the Anjarakandy area. His death has sparked protests across the state, with allegations that he faced humiliation from faculty over his caste, appearance and family background.
Loan app pressure emerges as key angle
Police said Nithin had taken a ₹13,500 loan from an online lending app in February, which allegedly demanded ₹19,000 repayment within a month.
Kannur City Police Commissioner Nidhinraj P said the student had been subjected to intense harassment, receiving 96 calls and messages in a single day from the lenders shortly before his death.
The pressure extended beyond Nithin. A faculty member at the college reportedly received 26 calls from the same group, after the app accessed the student’s contacts. The teacher raised the issue with the college administration.
According to police, Nithin was summoned by the principal soon after. “About 10 minutes after he came out of the chamber, he jumped from the building,” the commissioner said.
Investigators believe the student may have been distressed by the situation, including the possibility that he had caused trouble for his teacher.
Caste discrimination allegations
Alongside the financial harassment angle, police said Nithin had also faced alleged discrimination and humiliation at the college, which may have weighed on him.
A case has been registered under abetment of suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, with two faculty members, including a department head, booked.
However, the student’s family has raised suspicions of foul play, urging a more detailed probe.
Unregulated loan app under scrutiny
Police said the loan app involved is not listed on the Google Play Store and was likely circulated through social media links. Its operators are now under investigation for their role in alleged harassment and possible abetment.
Authorities added that such apps often seek access to users’ contact lists, enabling them to pressure borrowers through friends, family and colleagues.
University orders probe
The Kerala University of Health Sciences, which the college is affiliated with, has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummel said a four-member panel will examine both the circumstances of the death and the functioning of the institution, warning of “strong action” if wrongdoing is found.
Political reactions and protests
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the incident as “deeply painful” and said those responsible had committed an “unforgivable crime”.
He also flagged concerns about caste discrimination in higher education, calling for stronger action to address such issues.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan announced financial assistance to the family, including ₹5 lakh and support to build a house. Nithin’s father is a daily wage worker, while his mother works under MGNREGS.
Kerala, India, India
April 16, 2026, 22:07 IST
Read More
