SFI, DYFI demand probe in class XI student’s death; police detain activists - The HinduUpdated - September 18, 2026 08:13 pm IST - MADURAIMembers of DYFI and SFI staging a protest at the portico of Madurai Collectorate on Friday. | Photo Credit: G. MOORTHYDemanding a swift reclassification of the investigation into a murder inquiry, members of Students Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a demonstration here on Friday over the death of a Class XI student near Anaiyur recently.The victim Tamizhselvan from Vanavil Street in the Anaiyur Koodal Pudur locality was found dead from thorny pond under mysterious circumstances.The Koodal Pudur police initially filed a case for a suspicious death under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This set off a police inquiry into the death.Protesters expressed outrage over the handling of the case, directly demanding the immediate removal of the lead investigating officer Mohan.The protesters charged that authorities only began taking the matter seriously only after the family refused to accept the victim’s mortal remains.They further alleged that investigators deliberately ignored crucial witnesses whose testimonies could shed light on the fatal incident.“We strongly suspect this is an attempt to shield the father of a girl the victim was in a relationship with,” they stated.They highlighted that the individual had repeatedly threatened the young boy over his association with his daughter.Also, they alleged that the eyewitnesses reported seeing six boys enter the pond area, yet only five emerged.According to activists, police have stubbornly dismissed this vital eyewitness account. Protesters insisted that true justice will only be served once the case is officially converted to a murder investigation, and a new officer takes over the probe.As the protesters barged their way from the Thiruvalluvar statue into the District Collector office the police forcefully removed them from the campus and detained them all.Police officials stated that they were given permission to protest only at the site near Thiruvalluvar statue but the protesters entered the Collector office.Published - September 18, 2026 08:11 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }