Kerala Bandh Today: 12-Hour Hartal Observed Over Death of Dental Student Nithin Raj

A 12-hour statewide hartal was observed in Kerala on Tuesday, bringing normal life to a standstill across the state. The strike, called by a coalition of over 50 Dalit organizations, seeks justice for Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student from Kannur who died earlier this month.

Protesters took to the streets from 6 am, blocking major junctions and forcing commercial establishments to close. While the organizers initially promised that vehicles would not be stopped by force, reports from Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Wayanad indicate significant disruptions to public transport, leaving many commuters stranded.

The protest is centered on the death of Nithin Raj, a student at a private dental college in Ancharakandi, Kannur. Nithin was found critically injured after a fall from a building on April 10 and tragically passed away shortly after. His family has raised serious allegations of systemic caste-based discrimination and harassment regarding his complexion by certain faculty members.

While the police have booked two teachers under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and for abetment of suicide, the Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council claims the investigation is a sham. They argue the police are deliberately dragging their feet to allow the accused to secure legal protection.

Shops in major markets pulled down their shutters. Public transport (KSRTC and private buses) was largely unavailable due to blockades. Essential services like hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies were fully functional. Milk and newspaper distribution took place early in the morning without interruption. While banks were technically open, footfall was expected to be minimal.

Public transport was the major hit on Tuesday. While the Indian Railways operated as per schedule, getting to and from stations was a challenge due to the lack of connecting transport. The KSRTC suspended many of its schedules in protest-hit zones, and private buses largely stayed off the roads. In many areas, protesters blocked private vehicles and taxis, although two-wheelers were permitted to pass.

Most liquor shops (BEVCO outlets) and bars across Kerala remained closed or operated with extreme caution to avoid potential law and order issues.

The Kerala Pinnokka Samudaya Munnani (KPSM) and other Dalit groups have accused the local police of "apathy" and "misdirection." The core of the anger lies in the claim that the police are trying to pivot the motive of the suicide toward "loan app debts" rather than the caste harassment alleged by the family. Activists argue this is a tactical move to shield the faculty members involved.

By delaying the arrests, protesters say the police essentially gave the accused a window to move for anticipatory bail. The demand is now clear: the current probe must be scrapped and the case handed over to an independent investigative agency.