Kannur Dental College Terminates Accused HoD Following Student's Death

The management of Kannur Dental College in Anjarakandy has terminated the services of M.K. Ram, the Head of Department for Dental Anatomy, amidst allegations linking him to the death of first-year student R.L. Nithin Raj. The decision was announced on April 16, 2026, after Principal Vinod Moni held discussions with student union representatives and parents. Consequently, students agreed to withdraw their ongoing agitation and resume classes from Monday. The termination letter cited the gravity of the matter and the need to safeguard student welfare, effective immediately. Prior to this resolution, protests had intensified on campus, with students demanding the dismissal of Dr. Ram, action against other accused faculty, and a transparent investigation. Police have booked Dr. Ram and another faculty member, Sangeetha, under non-bailable charges; both are currently absconding. The student, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, died after allegedly jumping from the fifth floor of the college building. The incident triggered widespread unrest, including clashes between protesters and police, who used water cannons to disperse demonstrators marching to the District Police Chief's office. Students also plan to visit the deceased’s family.