Kerala government cracks down on delayed CBI case transfer; Opposition extends support

It was on 18 February that 20-year-old JS Siddharthan was found dead at the hostel of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) in the Wayanad district of the state.

On 9 March, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured Siddharthan’s father T Jayaprakash that the probe into the death of his son would be handed over to the CBI.

The government also issued a notification that day, according consent to the central probe agency to investigate the case.

However, the delay in transferring the case to the CBI has raised eyebrows, leading to allegations and political manoeuvring.

Speaking on the matter, a government official stated: “The delay in processing the file for the CBI is unacceptable and goes against established protocols.”

The individual added: “The officials responsible for this lapse are being dealt with as per the existing provisions.”

As per reports, three officials of the Home Department’s M Section — including a deputy secretary — are facing the music for the procedural delay.

Kerala Vet student death: V-C steps quits as unfulfilled CBI probe promise hits LDF

The Opposition’s move

The Opposition, meanwhile, has seized upon the delay as an opportunity to question the government’s intentions. Allegations of evidence tampering and a deliberate attempt to hinder the investigation have been vehemently raised by opposition leaders.

“This delay cannot be brushed aside as a mere administrative oversight. There are serious concerns regarding the integrity of the investigation and the possible tampering of evidence,” said KPCC acting president MM Hassan in a statement.

He further alleged that the delay was the latest example of CPI(M)-BJP nexus.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Siddharthan’s father Jayaprakash met Leader of the Opposition (LoP) VD Satheesan on Tuesday.

He is said to have sought the help of the Congress if a protest was launched against the government.

“The family has come forward. He expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the matter. We will give all possible help including legal if needed,” said Satheesan.

#SFI ക്രിമിനലുകൾ കൊലപ്പെടുത്തിയ സിദ്ധാര്‍ത്ഥിന്റെ പിതാവ് കാണാനെത്തി. കൊലയാളികളെ സര്‍ക്കാരും പൊലീസും #CPM നേതാക്കളും സംരക്ഷിക്കുകയാണെന്ന ആശങ്ക കുടുംബത്തിനുണ്ട്. കൊലയാളികളെ നിയമത്തിന് മുന്നില്‍ കൊണ്ടുവരാനുള്ള പോരാട്ടത്തെ പിന്തുണയ്ക്കും. #JusticeForSidharath #SfiCriminals pic.twitter.com/HJZqkDVcEh

— V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) March 26, 2024

The other day, Jayaprakashan alleged that a deliberate delay had occurred in the handing-over of the investigation to the CBI and if needed he will resort to protest.

He also added that the state government, by announcing the CBI probe, had looked to calm the furore over the death of Siddharthan. “And it largely met that objective. Now, there is no CBI probe nor police investigation,” Jayaprakash stated.

(Edited by Arkadev Ghoshal)

Kerala vet student’s death: Government to hand over probe to CBI