Thiruvananthapuram, April 13 -- Keralam health minister Veena George on Monday termed the death of RL Nithin Raj, a student of Ancharakandy Dental College in Kannur district, as "shocking and deeply painful" and assured that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.

"Alongside the police investigation, the Keralam University of Health Sciences has also initiated an inquiry committee. All necessary legal action will be firmly ensured," George said.

"The depth of grief and loss faced by the family is immense. Caste-based abuse and harassment must not be allowed in campuses or anywhere in Kerala under any circumstances," the minister said in a post on social media.

Alleging lapses in the police investigation, activists ...