Kerala IT professional found dead; post alleging sexual abuse by RSS members

Thiruvananthapuram: A 26- year -old software engineer from Kottayam, Anandu Aji, was found dead in a lodge room in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated a detailed investigation following serious allegations raised in a scheduled Instagram post that appeared shortly after his death.

In the post, Anandu alleged that he was sexually abused as a child by multiple RSS members, including a man identified as “NM,” an active RSS- BJP functionary. He said the repeated abuse led to severe depression and obsessive -compulsive disorder, which he struggled with for years. Anandu also claimed that he was subjected to both sexual and physical abuse at RSS training camps, describing the organisation as “venomous.” He said he decided to end his life after long-standing mental health struggles caused by the trauma.

Following the revelations, Ponkunnam Police in Kottayam have registered a case based on written complaints submitted by the CPI M Elikkulam Local Committee and the DYFI Vazhoor Block Committee. The complaints sought an in-depth inquiry into the allegations and demanded that all those involved be brought before the law.

Kanjirappally DySP Saju Varghese said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, with statements being collected from Anandu’s relatives and friends. The Ponkunnam Station House Officer has been assigned to lead the probe.

Anandu’s Instagram note, which has since gone viral, stated that several other children were also victims of sexual abuse at RSS camps and urged authorities to rescue them and provide counselling.

The CPI M and its youth wing DYFI have condemned the incident and demanded swift action. DYFI State Vice Chairman VK Sanoj said Anandu’s words “expose the inhumane face of the RSS” and urged society to reject its ideology. The CPI M described the allegations as evidence of a “dangerous culture of abuse and silence” within the organisation. The DYFI has also lodged a separate complaint with the State Youth Commission, seeking strong action.

The RSS has not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.