Nithin Raj death: First accused Dr M.K. Ram gets bail with conditions
Thalassery court grants bail to Dr M.K. Ram, first accused in Nithin Raj death case, with strict conditions.
The Thalassery District Sessions Court on Wednesday granted bail to Dr M.K. Ram, the first accused in the case linked to the death of Nithin Raj, a dental college student in Kannur. Judge M. Manoj allowed the bail plea subject to stringent conditions, including a prohibition on entering the college premises and restrictions on contacting or influencing students.
The prosecution had strongly opposed the bail application. However, defence counsel M. Kishore Kumar argued that Dr Ram was not responsible for the student's death and pressed for his release.
The bail order comes amid sharp criticism from the Kerala High Court over the investigation and the circumstances of Dr Ram's arrest. The High Court had earlier pulled up the investigating officer, at one point even seeking his removal from service. It observed that any investigating officer would be aware that an arrest could be deemed illegal if the reasons were not communicated to the accused.
The High Court also flagged concerns over the alleged involvement of senior police officers, noting indications that high-ranking officials may have intervened to shield the accused.