Kochi, July 22: The Kerala High Court has sharply criticized the police and state government regarding the investigation into the death of R.L. Nitin Raj, a student from Anjarakandy Dental College. The court noted that serious procedural flaws in the arrest of the main accused, Dr. M.K. Ram, led to his bail, raising suspicions of collusion.
While hearing a petition from Nitin Raj’s family, Justice A. Badaruddeen expressed concerns that it appeared the police had conspired. He questioned whether senior officials had acted to protect the accused.
The court stated that it seemed the police operated under pressure from the accused and ordered action against the officer responsible for the drama during the arrest.
The Kerala High Court further questioned whether the police had deliberately created conditions that allowed the accused to escape easily. The court asked if money had become more powerful than justice and whether the police were prioritizing the protection of the wealthy while harassing ordinary citizens.
The court emphasized that the public now clearly understands which side the police are on. It also stated that the law and order situation and criminal justice system in the state have failed, and merely changing the investigation team will not absolve the government of its responsibilities.
These stern comments followed a previous order from the Thalassery Principal Sessions Court, which noted that the police had failed to follow necessary arrest procedures as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The Sessions Court indicated that before granting remand, the special judge must ensure that all legal formalities are adhered to. Since the arrest memo only stated that the accused committed a serious crime and the Supreme Court had rejected his anticipatory bail plea without specifying legal grounds for the arrest, the court declared the arrest illegal and granted bail to Dr. Ram.
The High Court also raised concerns about how confidential information from the investigation report and case diary reached the defense, suggesting a possible leak from within the police department.
The court criticized the investigation led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, stating that such fundamental errors are unacceptable in a case of this magnitude.
In response to the High Court’s harsh remarks, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated that the government is taking these incidents seriously. He mentioned that the government is monitoring the case and has instructed the state police chief to take all necessary steps to address the shortcomings highlighted by the court.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has filed a petition in the district sessions court seeking permission to re-arrest Dr. M.K. Ram. The hearing for this case is scheduled for Thursday.
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