Veterinary student suicide case: Kerala HC grants bail to 19 accused

Representational images. Pic/iStock

The Kerala High Court granted bail to 19 students accused of aiding the suicide of a veterinary student in February. The court concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove their involvement in the victim's death.

Sidharthan JS, a second-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry student, was discovered hanging in his dormitory bathroom on February 18, according to an PTI report.

Per the PTI report, Justice CS Dias stated that there was insufficient evidence to indicate that the accused caused or facilitated the victim's suicide. The court observed the absence of injuries resulting from the accused's purported assaults on the victim. The judge added that the accused might have intended to chastise the victim rather than drive him to suicide.

"On an overall consideration of the facts, the rival submissions made across the Bar and the materials placed on record, and my observations made above, I am of the definite view that the petitioners are entitled to be released on bail," Justice Dias said.

Given the accused's lengthy judicial custody, lack of criminal history, and young age, the court granted bail in the form of a Rs 50,000 bond with two solvent sureties, the report added.

Other bail requirements include appearing before the investigating officer as needed, abstaining from influencing witnesses or interfering with evidence, and remaining in the state without entering the Wayanad district until the trial is over.

The suspects were charged under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Kerala Anti-Ragging Act. The state administration forwarded the case to the CBI upon the victim's family's request, stated the PTI report.

Police have charged the 19 accused in the case under sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon), and 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Kerala Prohibition Of Ragging Act.

The victim's parents alleged that their son was beaten to death by local SFI leaders and activists. His death sparked widespread protests against the SFI and the ruling Left government by the opposition parties.