# Kerala HC asks why DSP not suspended in Dalit student suicide case 2026-08-10T14:48:21+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Kerala High Court on Wednesday questioned why Deputy Superintendent of Police Sudheer Kallen has not been suspended despite a preliminary inquiry finding serious procedural lapses in the arrest of Dr M Kodanda Ram, the prime accused in the Dalit student suicide case. Justice A Badharudeen orally asked the state why another inquiry by a panel of officers was needed when an oral inquiry already found lapses, including preparing arrest notices in Malayalam for a Telugu-speaking accused, entering an incorrect date on the arrest memo, and failing to properly brief the public prosecutor. Nithin Raj, a Dalit dental college student, died by suicide on April 10 after alleged caste-based harassment. The state told the court that the police chief has recommended disciplinary proceedings, but action will only start after a panel completes a proposed inquiry. The court expressed concern that higher-ranking officials might be trying to protect the officer. ## Coverage - barandbench.com - thehindu.com Tags: Dalit student suicide, DSP Kallan, Justice Badharudeen, Kerala High Court, police negligence, SC/ST Act Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kerala-hc-pulls-up-state-for-not-suspending-cop-in-dalit-student-suicide-case/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kerala-hc-pulls-up-state-for-not-suspending-cop-in-dalit-student-suicide-case/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.