Kerala Dental College to Dismiss Faculty Member Amid Intensifying Protests Over Student Death

The management of Kannur Dental College in Kerala has decided to initiate dismissal proceedings against Dr. M.K. Ram, the Head of Department, following intense protests over the death of first-year BDS student Nithin Raj. The decision came after discussions with student union representatives, who had threatened a class boycott until action was taken. Nithin Raj allegedly jumped from the fifth floor of the college building, sparking allegations of harassment and caste bias against faculty members. Police have booked Dr. Ram and another faculty member, Dr. Sangeeta, on non-bailable charges; both are currently absconding. Student organizations, including SFI, KSU, and MSF, have staged marches and sit-in protests, demanding a transparent investigation, the formation of a parent-teacher association, and freedom for organizational activities on campus. Protesters have also removed their white coats in demonstration. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with students alleging lapses in the initial police investigation and calling for accountability. Authorities are using water cannons to disperse some protest groups, while efforts continue to trace the accused faculty members.