Protests Intensify in Kerala Over Death of RSS Worker Ananthu Aji

Kottayam: Protests were held in Kottayam on Thursday following the tragic death of 26-year-old RSS worker Anandu Aji, who reportedly took his own life after alleging sexual abuse at RSS camps. The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) led the public outcry, accusing RSS branches of fostering communal hatred and abuse.
DYFI activists staged a protest march in Ponkunnam, holding Nidheesh Muraleedharan—an alleged RSS worker—responsible for Aji’s death and demanding his immediate arrest. The organization also called for a probe into the involvement of other RSS leaders in Kottayam. Following the march, DYFI activists proceeded to Muraleedharan’s shop at Kappad near Kanjirappally.
Youth Congress activists also staged a protest, marching to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) office in Kanjirappally, accusing the police of a lethargic investigation.
Aji, a software engineer from Thampalakkad in Kottayam district, was found dead in a lodge at Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram on October 9. He came from a family long associated with the RSS. He had left behind a 15-page suicide note, shared on Instagram, in which he initially referred to a person identified as 'NM' and accused him of repeated sexual harassment.
Later, in a pre-scheduled Instagram video, Aji revealed the name of Nidheesh Muraleedharan, an active RSS worker, alleging that he was sexually abused from a young age, leading to severe mental distress and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He also alleged that he was sexually harassed during various RSS camps by members of the organisation.
Thampanoor police, who registered a case of unnatural death, said Muraleedharan will be questioned soon. “We are completing certain evidence collection procedures. A notice will be issued to him shortly,” officials said. They added that, apart from Aji’s statements in his note and video, the family has not yet filed a formal complaint. Police are also examining Aji’s medical history. Muraleedharan has not responded to the allegations.