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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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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