Kottayam: The police may register a case against RSS leader Nidheesh Muraleedharan over the suicide of Anandu Aji, a software engineer from Thampalakkad in Kottayam. Manorama News reported that Thiruvananthapuram Assistant Public Prosecutor Manu Kallampally, in his legal advice to the police, upheld the legality of a video shared by Anandu on his Instagram page.

Thampanoor police, who registered a case of unnatural death, said they will soon question Nidheesh Muraleedharan.

"We are completing certain evidence collection procedures. A notice will soon be issued to him," officials said.

Apart from the victim’s statements in his suicide note and video, his family has not yet filed a formal complaint against the RSS leader, added the police.

PTI reported that police are examining Anandu's medical history as part of the probe. There was no immediate response from Muraleedharan to the allegations against him.

The video, which was pre-scheduled by the deceased, was widely circulated on social media as well as news channels from Wednesday night. In the video, Anandu was heard alleging that Nidheesh sexually abused him from a young age.

Anandu (26) was found dead in a lodge at Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram on October 9. He was an RSS activist from a family long associated with the right-wing organisation.

In his 15-page suicide note shared on Instagram, Anandu referred to a person identified as 'NM' and accused him of repeated sexual harassment. However, he explained his ordeal with Nidheesh Muraleedharan who was his family friend. He revealed that he is suffering from severe mental distress and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) due to the horrific experience. However, Anandu said in the video that he has no evidence to substantiate his claims.

He also raised serious allegations against RSS claiming that he was sexually harassed during various RSS camps by members of the organisation.

RSS files complaint
However, RSS filed a complaint with the police seeking a comprehensive probe into the man’s suicide and dismissed the allegations. The outfit maintained that the suicide note that appeared on Instagram and some other social media platforms soon after his death, contains "dubious and baseless" allegations against the Sangh.

On Thursday, Youth Congress and DYFI took out protest march at Ponkunnam seeking justice for Anandu and demanding arrest of Nidheesh. Following the protest, DYFI members marched to Muraleedharan's shop at Kappad near Kanjirappally. Although the shop was closed, protesters allegedly damaged a signboard in front of the premises.

Youth Congress activists held a protest march to the Deputy Superintendent of Police office in Kanjirappally, accusing the police of a lethargic investigation.The protesters were stopped by police, arrested, and later removed from the spot.

Youth Congress state president OJ Janeesh cited the lapses of the police in arresting the RSS leader even after the victim’s video came out.

"If there is any deal between the CPI(M) and the RSS in this case, we will launch a strong statewide protest," he warned.