Kerala Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar on Wednesday, 29 April handed over the investigation into the death of BDS student Nithin Raj at Kannur Dental College, Ancharakandi, to the State Crime Branch, significantly widening the scope of the probe. The transfer follows a recommendation by Kannur City Police Commissioner Nidhinraj P, amid mounting concerns over allegations of academic harassment and threats linked to illegal digital loan applications.

How Nithin Raj Died

Nithin Raj, a student of Kannur Dental College, died by suicide on 10 April after reportedly jumping from the college building. His death triggered widespread outrage across Kerala and intensified demands for an impartial, thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to it.

Allegations Against Faculty Members

The deceased student's family has alleged that Nithin Raj was subjected to sustained mental harassment by the Head of the Department, identified as M.K. Ram — claims that have now become central to the Crime Branch inquiry. Two faculty members, M.K. Ram and Sangeetha Nambiar, have been named as accused in the case. Both were initially suspended by the college management, with Ram subsequently dismissed as the controversy escalated. While Ram has been absconding after a local court refused him anticipatory bail, Nambiar secured bail and appeared before the investigating police team.

The Digital Loan App Angle

Adding a complex digital dimension to the case, the cyber police have already arrested three individuals linked to illegal loan app operations accused of threatening both the student and a faculty member. The arrested have been identified as Rishikesh Tiwari from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh; Prashant Kheval from Uttar Pradesh; and Prakash Jay from Faridabad. Investigators are now expected to probe the possible link between academic pressure and external financial threats, as well as broader regulatory gaps surrounding predatory loan applications.

What the Crime Branch Will Examine

Authorities are expected to scrutinise internal communications, academic records, and testimonies to establish whether there was institutional failure or coercion involved in the lead-up to Nithin Raj's death. The case has raised serious questions about student safety, institutional accountability, and the growing menace of digital harassment in Kerala's higher education sector. This comes amid a wider national conversation about the mental health of students facing combined pressures of academic stress and predatory financial schemes.

What Happens Next

With the State Crime Branch now at the helm, the investigation is expected to move faster and with greater resources than the earlier local police inquiry. The case is being closely watched by student groups, civil society organisations, and education regulators. A credible outcome could set a precedent for how Kerala — and potentially other states — handle cases of alleged institutional harassment intersecting with digital financial crime.