Now Reading: Kerala HC asks why DSP not suspended in Dalit student suicide case
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Kerala HC asks why DSP not suspended in Dalit student suicide case
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The state’s reluctance to suspend DSP Kallen despite clear procedural failures feeds the narrative that police protect their own. Yet, due process matters: suspension without proper inquiry can be challenged in court. The real test is whether the promised panel probe moves swiftly or becomes another delay tactic. How many more inquiries will it take before the government acts on lapses that the court itself calls serious? Watch if the government suspends the officer before the panel finishes.
Sources (2): barandbench.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
