protests-intensify-in-kerala-over-death-of-rss-worker-aji

Protests demanding justice for the 26-year-old RSS worker, Anandu Aji, who committed suicide alleging sexual harassment at the RSS camps, intensified on Thursday. Youth Congress and DYFI activists held separate protests here demanding strong action in connection with the case.

 

Activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) took out a protest march at Ponkunnam, holding Nidheesh Muraleedharan, an alleged RSS worker, responsible for Aji's death and demanding his arrest. The Left youth organisation also sought a probe against certain RSS leaders in Kottayam. Following the protest, DYFI members marched to Muraleedharan's shop at Kappad near Kanjirappally. Although the shop was closed, protesters allegedly damaged a signboard in front of the premises.

 

Aji, who was a software engineer and an RSS activist from Thampalakkad in Kottayam district, was found dead in a lodge at Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram on October 9. He had left behind a 15-page suicide note, shared on Instagram, in which he initially referred to a person identified as 'NM' and accused him of repeated sexual harassment.

 

Later, in a pre-scheduled Instagram video, Aji revealed the name of Nidheesh Muraleedharan — described as a family friend — alleging that he was sexually abused from a young age, leading to severe mental distress and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The software engineer, however, clarified in the video that he has no evidence to substantiate his claims, further alleging that he had been sexually harassed during various RSS camps by members of the organisation.

 

 

The organisation maintained that the suicide note that appeared on Instagram and some other social media platforms soon after his death, contains "dubious and baseless" allegations against the Sangh. Following this, a complaint has been filed by the RSS with the police seeking a comprehensive probe into Aji's death.

 

Meanwhile, Youth Congress activists held a protest march to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) office in Kanjirappally, accusing the police of a lethargic investigation. They were stopped by police, arrested, and later removed from the spot.

 

Youth Congress state president O J Janeesh alleged that despite Aji naming Muraleedharan, the police have not taken any action, and said while giving a stern warning, "If there is any deal between the CPI(M) and the RSS in this case, we will launch a strong statewide protest.”

 

Union Minister George Kurian declined to comment in detail, saying, "The RSS has already demanded a probe, and the police are investigating. Let the investigation take its course." Thampanoor police, who have registered a case of unnatural death, said they will soon question Muraleedharan.

 

"We are completing certain evidence collection procedures. A notice will soon be issued to him," officials said.

 

Aji’s family has not yet filed a formal complaint against Muraleedharan. Meanwhile, the police are examining Aji's medical history.