The killing of a Kerala medical student in Uzbekistan has sparked controversy after no representatives from the Congress-led UDF government or the CPM-led LDF opposition attended the airport reception of her body. The case has also prompted online discussion about differing political reactions linked to the religious backgrounds of those involved.
Savaria Besenth, from the Haripad constituency of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, was reportedly slain by classmate Sadarul Anam from Malappuram after declining to convert to Islam. Reports indicate she was beaten with a laptop during the assault.
The 21-year-old MBBS student died at Bukhara State Medical Institute in July 2026. Uzbek police arrested the suspect promptly. Her remains reached Kerala between July 7 and 8 following embassy assistance, with a second autopsy at Alappuzha Medical College before the funeral on July 9.
On July 10, Haripad police filed a murder case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after her father alleged forced conversion attempts. The National Commission for Women took up the matter on July 12.
The lack of attendance by ministers or local legislators drew online criticism, with users asking why no UDF or LDF figures appeared. A widely shared post questioned whether any secular party representative went to the airport and suggested reactions would differ if religious identities were reversed.
The post also referenced the 2021 death of nurse Soumya in an Israel attack, claiming officials altered condolences after objections and sent no representative for her remains. It argued that reversed community roles would have produced protests, marches, aid, and statements from writers.
The episode has renewed claims of selective responses by parties and civil society in cases involving different religious groups.
