Thuiruvananthapuram: The suicide of a Kerala IT professional, who alleged continuous physical and sexual abuse from RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) members, has sparked a row with the Congress and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) demanding a probe.
Ananthu Aji, the 26-year-old IT professional from Kottayam district, was found dead in a lodge in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday evening by the hotel staff.
However, in a scheduled Instagram post that went up after his death, he said he was taking his own life because of anxiety and depression caused by repeated sexual and physical abuse he faced in the outfit, his father had made him join as a child.
The youth said he was a rape victim and had faced sexual abuse since when he was four years old, and later from many members of the Sangh. He identified, ‘NM’, an active RSS member and his former neighbour, as his first abuser and added that he was later subjected to repeated sexual abuse from several RSS members. He also said that many people are undergoing physical and sexual abuses in the organisation that he is aware of.
“Don’t ever interact with an RSS member. The one who abused me was an active RSS member. I know I am not his only victim and that many others have also faced the same abuse from him and from the RSS camp. We need to save them and give proper counselling,” he wrote.
Following the death, the police registered a case of unnatural death and initiated a probe.
ThePrint reached senior RSS functionary TV Prasad Babu over phone, but he was unavailable for comment. This article will be updated as and when a response is received.
The LDF as well as the Congress have sought a detailed investigation. Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said the RSS must allow an independent probe into the allegations.
“He clearly stated that he was not the only victim and that rampant sexual abuse is taking place in RSS camps. If true, this is horrifying. Lakhs of young children and teenagers attend these camps all over India. The leadership of the RSS must take immediate action; they must come clean,” Priyanka posted on ‘X’.
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth organisation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has also filed a complaint with the Kottayam police seeking action against the culprits.
“We have been saying for years what kind of activities are happening inside the RSS shakhas (branches). Many have joined the RSS, mistaking it as a religious education centre. This is a warning for all of them. DYFI is demanding action against all RSS members, including its leadership, who are responsible for Ananthu’s death,” DYFI state secretary V.K.Sanoj said.
(If you are feeling suicidal or depressed, please call a helpline number in your state)
(Edited by Tony Rai)