Priyanka Gandhi seeks probe into RSS worker's 'suicide'; Sangh denies allegations
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has demanded a full investigation into the suspected suicide of a RSS worker in Kerala, who, according to her, had made sexual abuse allegations against members of the organisation in his purported suicide note.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) denied the allegation and filed a petition to the police on Monday seeking a detailed probe into the death of the 26 year-old techie and the conspiracy to defame the organisation.
The police also have not named the RSS or its members in the FIR, nor has the deceased's family lodged a complaint against them so far.
Anandu Aji a software engineer, hailed from Thampalakkad in Kottayam district. He was found dead at a lodge in Thampanoor here on October 9.
"Anandu Aji alleged that he was abused again and again by multiple members of the RSS," Priyanka wrote on her 'X' handle.
Several pro-Sangh Parivar social media accounts have questioned the authenticity of the claims attributed to Aji.
According to Vadra, the Wayanad MP, Aji had clearly stated that he was not the only victim and that rampant sexual abuse was taking place in RSS camps.
"If true, this is horrifying. Lakhs of young children and teenagers attend these camps all over India. The leadership of the RSS must take immediate action and come clean," she said.
Priyanka added that sexual abuse of boys was as pervasive as that of girls. "The code of silence around these unspeakably heinous crimes has to be broken," she said.
Aji, who was an RSS activist, belonged to a family associated with the organisation. A day after his death, a scheduled post appeared on his Instagram account in which he held the RSS responsible for his death.
The post contained a 15-page letter, purportedly written by Aji, in which he accused a man named N M — reportedly close to his family — of sexually abusing him from a young age.
He also alleged sexual harassment during RSS camps by other people in the organisation without taking their names.
In the note, Aji said he had been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) due to the trauma of sexual abuse and claimed that several others within the RSS had similar experiences.
RSS Kottayam Vibhag Karyavah R Sanu on Monday submitted a petition to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kanjirappally, seeking a probe into the death of Anandu Aji.
In the petition, Sanu stated that the allegations against the RSS were false, concocted, and devoid of any factual foundation.
"The RSS, being a patriotic socio-cultural organisation committed to the service of the nation, has absolutely no connection whatsoever with the tragic death of Anandu Aji," the petition said.
The RSS claimed that there was a deliberate and malicious attempt to implicate the organisation in the unfortunate incident, possibly as part of a larger conspiracy to malign and discredit its image in the public domain.
It further requested that the State Police be directed to investigate the authenticity and timing of the Instagram post.
"An independent and transparent probe will not only help bring out the truth behind the unfortunate death of Aji but will also ensure that innocent and reputed organisations like the RSS are not falsely dragged into controversies for ulterior motives," the petition stated.
Meanwhile, when asked about the case during a press conference, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he had read reports about the incident and that necessary legal steps would be taken.
"In Kerala, legal steps are taken appropriately, and naturally, action will follow," he said.
Thampanoor police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation.
Police said Aji' family has not lodged a complaint yet.
"We are examining the Instagram post and verifying its authenticity. We are also probing whether anyone abetted the suicide," a senior officer said.
The police plan to record the statements of Aji's mother and sister. His father had passed away in an accident a few years ago.
"The family might raise their concerns when their statement is recorded, and further action will be taken accordingly," the officer added.
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Three footballers of Indian origin named in squads for FIFA World Cup 2026
New Delhi: Three footballers of Indian origin have been named in preliminary or final squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
According to a report published by Mathrubhumi, Sarpreet Singh was included in the New Zealand national football team squad which was announced on Wednesday.
Born in Auckland to Indian parents, Singh was eligible to represent India through his family roots but chose to play for New Zealand. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior international debut in 2018 and has since become a regular member of the national side.
Singh has made 26 appearances for New Zealand and has scored three goals while providing seven assists.
Julen Lopetegui has included two players of Indian origin: Niall Mason and Tahsin Mohammed, in Qatar’s selections for the tournament.
Mason, a defender whose mother is Indian, previously trained in the youth academies of Real Madrid, Southampton FC and Aston Villa FC. Although he received his first senior call-up earlier this year, the Qatar defender is yet to make his senior international debut.
Tahsin Mohammed, 19, was born to parents from Kerala’s Kannur district. His father Jamshid is from Thalassery, while his mother Shaima belongs to Valapattanam. The winger became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League, Qatar’s premier domestic football competition.
Mohammed has made two appearances for the senior Qatar side, including in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
