New Delhi / Thiruvananthapuram: CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar wrote to NHRC Chairman V Ramasubramaniam on Friday, demanding an independent inquiry into the death of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker Anandu Aji in Kerala and the alleged sexual abuse within the organisation.

Sandosh Kumar addressed a letter to the NHRC chief, stating that the circumstances surrounding the death of Anandu Aji, allegedly by suicide, and the "serious" human rights violations, warrant an "immediate, independent, and transparent inquiry" under the supervision of the commission.

The 26-year-old software engineer from Thampalakkad in Kottayam district was found dead at a lodge in Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, on October 9. The following day, a scheduled Instagram post appeared on his account in which he allegedly held the RSS responsible for his death. In the post, he also accused a man close to his family of sexually abusing him from a young age.

Aji was an activist of the RSS and belonged to a family long associated with the organisation.

"The tragic death of Mr Anandu Aji... and the grave revelations made in his final social media post alleging sexual abuse by multiple members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) call for the urgent intervention of the National Human Rights Commission," Kumar said.

"His public statement, naming specific RSS functionaries and referring to incidents of repeated abuse in RSS camps, has sent shockwaves across Kerala and beyond. The contents of his testimony reveal not merely an isolated personal tragedy but suggest the existence of a larger, organised, and deeply exploitative culture operating within certain sections of the organisation," he said.

Kumar then requested that the NHRC constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or direct an appropriate agency to conduct an impartial investigation within a time-bound framework. He asked that both the "immediate circumstances of Aji's death and the wider network of sexual exploitation and coercion alleged within the RSS" be investigated.

He had called for bringing all individuals named by the deceased under the purview of the investigation. He also added that witness protection, confidentiality and psychological assistance to survivors who come forward must also be ensured.

He said that the "deeply distressing case underscores the urgent need for national attention to the functioning and internal culture of such organisations that often operate beyond public scrutiny."

"A fearless and sensitive inquiry by the NHRC will serve as a strong affirmation of India's commitment to human rights and justice, ensuring that those in positions of influence do not escape accountability for acts of sexual violence and exploitation," he said, urging the commission to take immediate cognisance of this matter and initiate an independent inquiry without delay.
(With PTI inputs)