Kerala often prides itself on high literacy, a students death due to caste abuse has exposed deep-seated structural casteism within its educational and social institutions. The death of Nithin Raj RL, a 22-year-old student at Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur, has sparked widespread outrage. While initially reported as a suicide, the case has been reframed by his family and peers as a "caste killing" driven by systemic harassment. Nithin Raj, a bright and promising student from Uzhamalackal, Thiruvananthapuram, secured his seat at the dental college strictly through academic merit. However, despite his achievements, he was reportedly targeted for harassment and systemic discrimination almost immediately after joining the institution leading to his death.

Source: Indian Express April 12, 2026 15:12 UTC