Police in Chakkarakkallu have registered a case against an online loan application in connection with the death of Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student at a private dental college in Anjarakandy, Kannur. The app is accused of extortion, specifically for mentally torturing and threatening the student to recover loan repayments.
The legal action was initiated on April 16, one week after Nithin’s death, following a complaint submitted by the Cyber Cell. The FIR has been registered under Section 308 (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Kerala Money Lenders Act, and the Kerala Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act.
Predatory Lending and Harassment
According to the FIR, Nithin had borrowed ₹15,000 through the application in January. The app operators allegedly charged an illegal interest rate of 36% on the loan.
Police reports indicate that starting from April 9, the app authorities repeatedly called Nithin, using threats and mental pressure to demand the repayment of the amount.
Tragedy and Institutional Allegations
On April 10, Nithin Raj was found seriously injured after falling from the college building. He later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
The loan app’s involvement emerged alongside existing allegations that certain college faculty members had harassed Nithin based on his color, and caste. These allegations led to police cases for abetment of suicide and under the SC/ST Act against Dr. M.K. Ram, Head of the Dental Anatomy department, and Associate Professor Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar.
Current Legal Status and Investigations
Following intense student protests, the college management expelled Dr. M.K. Ram from the institution. Currently, Dr. Ram and Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar remain absconding.
Both accused teachers have recently filed interim bail petitions. They had previously submitted anticipatory bail applications in the Thalassery court, claiming they had no part in Nithin’s death.
Beyond the police, several bodies are conducting special investigations, including the Kerala SC/ST Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Youth Commission, the Health University, and the Medical Education Department.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reacted to the tragedy, calling it an “unforgivable crime” and stating that the entirety of Kerala stands with Nithin Raj’s family.
Potential Next Steps
The investigation may now focus on tracing the operators of the loan app to determine the scale of their predatory lending. The court’s decision on the bail petitions could lead to the apprehension of the absconding faculty members, which may facilitate further questioning regarding the allegations of caste-based harassment.
Frequently Asked Questions
On what grounds was the loan app charged?
The app was charged with extortion for mentally torturing and threatening Nithin Raj to recover a loan, as well as for charging an illegal interest rate of 36%.
Which faculty members are accused in the case?
Dr. M.K. Ram, Head of the Dental Anatomy department, and Associate Professor Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar have been charged with abetment of suicide and under the SC/ST Act.
What action did the college management take?
Following protests from students, the college management expelled Dr. M.K. Ram from the institution.
Do you believe stricter regulations on digital lending apps could prevent similar tragedies among students?
