Kerala High Court Denies Bail to Professor Accused in Dalit Students Suicide Case

June 20, 2026

Kochi, June 20: The Kerala High Court has denied the bail application of Dr. M. Kodanda Ram, head of the dental department at Kannur Dental College, on Friday. Dr. Ram is accused of verbally harassing Dalit student Nitin Raj, who tragically took his own life in April.

Justice A. Badaruddeen delivered the ruling, rejecting the plea filed by Dr. Ram, who is the main accused in the case concerning the dental student’s death.

Nitin Raj reportedly committed suicide by jumping from a building near the college on April 10. His family has alleged that he suffered caste-based harassment and mental cruelty from faculty members prior to his death.

Based on a complaint lodged by his father, police have registered a case against Dr. Ram and two other staff members for abetting suicide and offenses under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Previously, Dr. Ram had filed a bail application in the sessions court along with another accused faculty member, Dr. Sangeeta Nambiar. While Dr. Nambiar was granted bail on April 25, Dr. Ram’s plea was denied, prompting him to approach the High Court.

In opposing the bail application, the state argued that statements from two students indicated Dr. Ram’s inappropriate behavior towards students. The prosecution also claimed that the professor allegedly incited other teachers to harass Nitin Raj.

During the hearing, the High Court expressed concern over the recurring complaints of harassment from medical colleges and suggested that the government consider forming a committee to investigate such complaints and recommend corrective measures.

However, Dr. Ram’s lawyer denied the allegations of caste-based harassment, arguing that other factors contributed to the student’s distress. The defense referenced CCTV footage showing Nitin Raj in the principal’s office shortly before his death and submitted documents related to alleged pressure for loan recovery.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court denied Dr. Ram protection from arrest.