Kerala: Suicide of 26-year-old sparks political row after IG post alleges sexual abuse at RSS camps
Thiruvananthapuram: The death of a 26-year-old man from Kottayam has triggered a major political controversy in Kerala after a scheduled Instagram post surfaced, in which the deceased accused Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists of sexually abusing him during his childhood.
The deceased, identified as Anandhu Aji, a resident of Vanchimala in Elikulam grama panchayat, Kottayam, was found hanging in a room at Sangeetha Tourist Home, near the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, on Thursday, October 9. His body was cremated at his residence on Friday night.
The controversy erupted hours after Anandhu’s death when a detailed statement appeared on his Instagram account, which police said was pre-scheduled to go public after his death.
According to the Thampanoor Police, who registered a case of unnatural death, the post was drafted on September 8 and later edited on September 23, October 3, and October 4. The police confirmed that the message was scheduled for publication after his death.
In the post, which Anandhu described as his “dying declaration,” he alleged that he was sexually abused first by a person known to his family and later by individuals at RSS-run camps.
“I am having no ill-feelings towards anyone except for one person and one organisation. That organisation is RSS. I am experiencing a threat to my life caused by this organisation and that person,” the post read.
He stated that he had been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks and decided to end his life due to prolonged mental health struggles.
In his post, Anandhu named a man, referred to as “NM,” who lived near his old home, as the first person to have sexually abused him when he was between three and four years old.
He further claimed that he was later abused at RSS camps, writing “At the RSS camp also I was sexually abused. Never make any friends with anyone who is part of RSS. RSS is the one who walks with such poison. The real abusers.”
He added that the abuse occurred during ITC and OTC training camps, stating that “many were abused” and that such incidents were widespread in the organisation’s camps. “Many may not believe me because I have no proof,” he wrote.
Anandhu also mentioned feeling socially isolated, saying that several people who once interacted with him had distanced themselves in recent months.
Following the emergence of the post, the CPI(M) and its youth wing, DYFI, demanded a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
DYFI state secretary V.K. Sanoj said Anandhu’s statement “exposed the inhuman face of the RSS” and urged that those responsible be held accountable.
“Anandhu wrote before ending his life that the RSS is putting forward ideas and actions that should be kept away from. We must be vigilant so that our children do not end up in shakhas that teach hatred and inhumanity. The RSS criminals who killed Anandhu should be brought to justice,” Sanoj said in a statement.
The Ponkunnam Police, under whose jurisdiction Elikulam falls, said they were aware of the allegations but were “not jumping to conclusions.” They confirmed that Anandhu had been undergoing treatment for mental health issues.
According to Thampanoor Police, Anandhu’s whereabouts were traced following a missing complaint filed at the Museum Police Station. His mobile phone signal led investigators to the Sangeetha Tourist Home, where he was found dead.
Police officials said the incidents mentioned in Anandhu’s post appeared to relate to his native place, and the local police would examine the claims.
Local representatives in Anandhu’s hometown said they were unaware of any such allegations before the social media post surfaced.
Vanchimala ward member Suryamol said she learned about the accusations only after the post became public.
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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
