On Friday, the Kerala High Court issued a directive to the Central government, urging them to promptly issue a notification assigning the investigation of the recent demise of veterinary student Sidharthan JS to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

20-year-old Sidharthan, a second-year undergraduate student at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad, was discovered deceased in the hostel. Allegations suggest that he fell victim to brutal ragging by fellow students, ultimately leading to his death. He was found hanging on February 18 of this year.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas underscored that any further delay in approving a CBI probe would hamper the entire investigation and thwart the objectives of justice.

''"Each day's delay can cause serious prejudice to the investigation already ordered. It may cause prejudice to the investigation and undue benefits to the perpetrators of the crime.''

The order was issued in response to a petition filed by Sidharthan's father, Jayprakash T, who sought the prompt transfer of the investigation to the CBI.

In his petition, Jayaprakash alleged that Sidharthan was murdered by a group of students and residents of the college hostel who subjected him to inhumane treatment, including denial of food and water for three consecutive days leading up to his death.

Following the discovery of Sidharthan's body, a case of unnatural death was registered. Subsequently, charges of abetment of suicide and criminal conspiracy, as punishable under the Indian Penal Code, along with other offenses under the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, were later included in the investigation.

The petitioner contended that despite the State police registering a case, the arrested students were allegedly being shielded by local political leaders. After submitting a representation to the Kerala Chief Minister, the State government issued an order transferring the investigation to the CBI.

Jayaprakash contended that certain crucial documents had not been forwarded to the Central government, resulting in unwarranted delays in the process.