Anandu Aji, a 26-year-old software engineer from Kottayam, Kerala, was found dead by suspected suicide in a lodge at Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, on October 9, 2025. Aji left a social media note alleging persistent sexual and physical abuse by members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at their ‘shakhas’ (camps).
The RSS has refuted these claims, calling for a thorough and unbiased investigation. Political figures, including Karnataka MP Priyank Kharge and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, have condemned the abuse allegations and demanded swift and transparent action. Police are investigating the case, which has sparked wide public discourse on safety and accountability within volunteer organisations.
Allegations and Immediate Aftermath
Anandu’s Instagram post detailed traumatic experiences of continuous sexual abuse and physical assault while attending RSS shakhas since childhood. He described how the abuse severely affected his mental health, causing anxiety and depression, leading to his decision to end his life, a decision he emphasised was unrelated to any financial or personal reasons.
The gravity of the allegations emerged after lodge staff alerted authorities upon noting Anandu’s unresponsiveness in his room. This tragic event has intensified scrutiny over RSS activities, with the RSS leadership from Dakshina Keralam expressing grief but denying the allegations as part of a possible conspiracy to tarnish their image.
Meanwhile, youth and political groups have demanded a transparent investigation so that justice may be served, signalling growing public concern about the issue.
Context: RSS Shakhas and Broader Implications
RSS shakhas serve as ideological training camps across India, fostering nationalism and discipline among youths. While these are widespread, allegations of abuse within them rarely surface publicly. The revelations by Anandu Aji have exposed a hidden and disturbing aspect that calls for attention towards child and participant safety in such institutions.
This case also highlights the need for robust mechanisms to handle abuse allegations impartially and support survivors. Concurrently, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge’s demand to ban RSS activities in government spaces has triggered heated reactions, including threats against him, underscoring the politically charged environment around the organisation’s perception.
This scenario demands a balanced debate on protecting democratic rights while ensuring that volunteer organisations uphold the highest standards of conduct.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian views this tragic episode as a stark reminder of the urgent need for empathy, transparency, and accountability in all communities and organisations. Abuse, particularly within trusted institutions, must never be ignored or dismissed but tackled head-on with rigorous inquiry and compassionate support for victims.
We advocate for nurturing safe environments where individuals, especially vulnerable youths, can report misconduct without fear or stigma. It is through kindness and open dialogue that society can bridge divides and heal deep wounds. The path forward requires collective resolve to uphold dignity and protect the vulnerable while fostering coexistence.
Attention #ITprofessionals! Kerala IT professional Anandu Aji dies by suicide alleging sexual abuse by multiple RSS members. Here is a statement by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.#PriyankaGandhi #BanRSS #RSS100YearsExposed #itindustry #IT #RSS #ananduaji #sexualabuse pic.twitter.com/MLxAJWAmaG
— India With Congress (@UWCforYouth) October 13, 2025
