Kerala Court Accuses Police of Manipulating Nitin Raj Investigation
Cochin, July 22 — In a landmark judgment, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday lambasted the police and the state administration for the botched inquiry into the death of RL Nitin Raj, a student of Anjarakandi Dental College. Justice A. Badruddin pointed out glaring procedural gaps that allowed the main accused, Dr. M.K. Ram, to secure bail, suggesting a potential conspiracy.
During the hearing of a petition filed by Raj’s relatives, the judge remarked that the police seemed to have orchestrated a scheme, raising doubts about senior officials possibly acting to shield the accused. He further inquired whether the police acted under duress from the accused, ordering that the officer responsible for the dramatic arrest be held accountable.
The court questioned whether the police deliberately engineered circumstances that enabled the accused’s escape and asked if financial power had eclipsed the rule of law. It warned that the public now clearly perceives the police as favoring the privileged while harassing ordinary citizens.
These comments followed a prior Sessions Court order criticizing police for failing to follow Supreme Court‑mandated arrest procedures. The court had also mandated that a special judge verify compliance with all procedural requirements before sanctioning any remand.
Since the arrest memorandum merely alleged a serious crime without specifying mandatory legal grounds, the High Court declared the arrest invalid and granted bail to Dr. Ram. It also highlighted concerns about how confidential investigation reports and case‑diary entries leaked to the defence, indicating possible internal police leaks.
The bench also denounced the investigation overseen by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, stating that such basic errors are indefensible in a case of this magnitude.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennaithal, reacting to the court’s remarks, affirmed that the government is taking the matter seriously and has instructed the state police chief to address the deficiencies identified by the court.
The prosecution has filed an application in the District Sessions Court seeking fresh approval to re‑arrest Dr. M.K. Ram, with the next hearing scheduled for Thursday.