Kerala Statewide Hartal: Protests Erupt Over Death of BDS Student Nithin Raj

New Delhi, April 28, 2026 — A 12-hour statewide hartal is currently underway across Kerala today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, as Dalit and Adivasi organizations intensify their protests over the death of Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student. The protest, which began at 6:00 AM, is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM.

The demonstration, organized by the “Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council”—a coalition comprising over 50 Dalit and tribal welfare groups—aims to pressure the government and authorities into expediting the investigation into the young student’s death, which his family and activist groups allege was the result of severe caste-based discrimination.

The Tragedy and Allegations

Nithin Raj, a 22-year-old student at Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur district, was found critically injured on the college campus on April 10, 2026. Despite receiving medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.

Following his death, his family and community leaders alleged that he had been subjected to systematic mental harassment and discrimination based on his caste and complexion by faculty members. The case has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with activists arguing that the educational system is failing to protect students from marginalized communities.

Key Demands of the Action Council

The protest organizers have outlined a series of non-negotiable demands, emphasizing that the current pace of the investigation is insufficient:

• Judicially Monitored Investigation: Protesters are calling for the case to be moved to an independent agency or be supervised directly by the judiciary to ensure impartiality.
• Arrest of All Accused: The council demands the immediate arrest of all individuals allegedly responsible, specifically citing faculty members involved in the case.
• Implementation of the ‘Rohith Vemula Act’: There is a renewed call for the implementation of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in higher education institutions to prevent future tragedies.
• Substantial Compensation: The family is seeking ₹10 crore in compensation, citing the loss of their loved one to systemic failures.
• Revocation of College Affiliation: Protesters are demanding that the affiliation of Anjarakandy Dental College be cancelled due to the alleged atmosphere of discrimination.

Ground Situation: Mixed Compliance

While the Action Council had initially stated that the hartal would be peaceful and that essential services would be exempted, the situation on the ground has seen varying degrees of disruption.

Although several major trade organizations, including the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (which represents traders), and the Bus Operators Association declared earlier that they would not support the shutdown and intended to operate as normal, the day has been marked by scattered incidents of unrest:

• Road Blockades: Reports have emerged from various districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Kannur, where protesters have blocked roads, disrupted KSRTC bus services, and obstructed private vehicle movement.
• Student Impact: The protests have inadvertently impacted students. Reports indicate that several candidates aiming to reach examination centers for entrance tests (such as for the Vellore Institute of Technology) have been stranded due to the lack of public transport in certain areas.
• Police Intervention: In several locations, police have intervened to remove protesters and clear the roads. Minor scuffles have been reported in various towns as authorities attempt to balance the right to protest with the maintenance of public order.

Legal Status

The investigation into the case is ongoing. The police have registered a case against two faculty members—Dr. M.K. Ram and Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar—under charges of abetment of suicide and sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Legal proceedings have been contentious. A sessions court in Thalassery recently granted anticipatory bail to Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar, noting that there was insufficient evidence at this stage to justify incarceration, while the search for the prime accused, Dr. M.K. Ram, remains active. This decision has further fueled the frustration of the protesters, who view the granting of bail as a systemic failure to hold the accused accountable.

Looking Ahead

As the hartal continues through the evening, the state remains on high alert. The government faces mounting pressure to address the demands of the Dalit and Adivasi communities, whose protest has highlighted a deep-seated grievance regarding the safety and inclusion of marginalized students in Kerala’s higher education institutions.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, while the Action Council continues to call for public support in their pursuit of justice for Nithin Raj.