The Kerala High Court criticized the police and state government for their handling of the investigation into the death of Anjarakandy Dental College student R.L. Nithin Raj. The court pointed out serious procedural lapses in the arrest of prime accused Dr. M.K. Ram, which allowed him to secure bail and raised suspicions of collusion.
Justice A. Badharudeen, hearing a petition from Nithin Raj’s family, raised concerns about a potential conspiracy involving the police and questioned if senior officers were protecting the accused. The court noted that the police appeared to have acted under the accused’s influence and demanded accountability for the arrest process.
Questioning the police’s actions, the High Court suggested that circumstances enabling the accused to be released were deliberately created. The court also pondered whether money held more power than justice and criticized the police for favoring the wealthy over ordinary citizens.
The court’s observations highlighted a perceived failure in law and order and the criminal justice system in the state. It emphasized that merely changing the investigation team would not absolve the government of its responsibilities. The court’s remarks followed a previous order from the Thalassery Principal Sessions Court, which criticized the police for not following mandatory arrest procedures.
The High Court also expressed concerns about confidential information from the investigation report reaching the defense, indicating potential leaks within the police force. It condemned the investigation’s elementary lapses, especially considering the seriousness of the case. In response to the court’s criticisms, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated that the government was taking the matter seriously and had directed the State Police Chief to address the identified shortcomings.
The prosecution has sought permission from the District Sessions Court to re-arrest Dr. M.K. Ram, with the hearing scheduled for Thursday.
